Special presentation

Monday, November 17, 2014 4:00 pm - 4:00 pm EST (GMT -05:00)

Matthew Kennedy, Carleton University

"Operator algebras and analytic group theory"

It has been known since the work of von Neumann that many questions about the analytic properties of groups are most naturally studied within an operator-algebraic framework. In this talk, I will give an overview of some problems relating the structure of a group to the structure of a corresponding algebra of operators, and a method of attack which utilizes a new approach to the theory of group boundaries. In particular, I will discuss the recent solution of the following very natural problem: For which groups is this algebra simple?

Refreshments will be served in MC 5158B at 3:30 p.m.

Everyone is welcome to attend.