Pure Math Colloquium | Nigel Hitchin | Geometry and Physics in two dimensions

Thursday, October 22, 2026 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)
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Honorary Doctorate recipient & Distinguished speaker

Nigel Hitchin (University of Oxford)

Location: DC 1302

This talk is free and open to all. A reception will follow in DC 1301. Attendees are strongly encouraged to register in advance to assist with food planning and headcount.

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.

About the speaker

Nigel Hitchin

Nigel Hitchin earned a D.Phil. from Oxford, and held positions at Princeton, NYU, Warwick, Cambridge, and Oxford, where he was the Savilian Chair of Geometry. His research crosses boundaries of differential geometry, algebraic geometry, gauge theory, and mathematical physics. As one of the most influential geometers of the past century, numerous mathematical objects or techniques carry his name. He was awarded the Sylvester Medal of the Royal Society, the De Morgan Medal of the London Mathematical Society, and the Shaw Prize in Mathematical Sciences. He has also served as President of the LMS and as member of the Fields Medal Selection Committee.

Location Information
Location Address: DC - William G. Davis Computer Research Centre
Room: 1302
Waterloo, ON, CA  N2L 3G1
Location coordinates: