Thursday, October 22, 2026 2:30 pm
-
3:30 pm
EDT (GMT -04:00)
Pure Math Colloquium | Nigel Hitchin | Geometry and Physics in two dimensions
Honorary Doctorate recipient & Distinguished speaker
Nigel Hitchin (University of Oxford)
Location: DC 1302
Geometry and Physics in two dimensions
Fifty years ago, gauge theory in four dimensions brought new techniques into play in geometry and established a dialogue between physicists and mathematicians which has persisted. The talk will discuss ways in which these aspects have been adopted in studying quite concrete problems in two dimensions of interest to both communities. They reveal both the benefits and limitations of having alternative viewpoints.