Conference on the Mathematics of Gauge Theory and String Theory

10–12 January 2020, University of Auckland, New Zealand


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The mathematical underpinning of modern elementary particle physics is gauge theory and quantum field theory. They describe the interactions of elementary particles, the dynamics of many-body systems, and critical phenomena, with stunning accuracy.

String theory grew out of attempts to find a simple and elegant way to provide a unified description of gravity and particle physics. It is based on the idea that, at very short distances, particles and their interactions should be governed by the quantised vibrational states of a string.

The theory of quantum fields and strings have had an enormous impact in pure mathematics over the past century. The plenary speakers at this conference have been at the front line and led the charge on many of these major developments. It is a tremendous honour to host such renowned researchers in Auckland to present and discuss the recent advances in these fields.



Plenary Speakers


Edward Witten (Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton)


Clifford Taubes (Harvard University)




Invited Speakers


Mina Aganagic (University of California, Berkeley)


Stavros Garoufalidis (Georgia Institute of Technology)


Michael Freedman (Microsoft Station Q)


Rafe Mazzeo (Stanford University)


Eckhard Meinrenken (University of Toronto)


Mathai Varghese (University of Adelaide)




Departmental Seminars by Michael Freedman and Edward Witten

Thursday, 9 January 2020
2-4:30 pm in 302-G20


Volumes and Random Matrices by Ed Witten



Public Lecture by the Hood Fellow Edward Witten

Sunday, 12 January 2020
6 pm in the Large Chemistry Lecture Theatre, 301-G50


Video recording for UoA access

Video recording for general access

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NZMRI Summer Workshop on Mathematical Aspects of General Relativity (Aotearoa GR2020)

13-19 January 2020
Tahuna Beach, Nelson

Photo      Slides      Notes