Mathematical Sciences Research Institute - Introductory Workshop on Computational Application of Algebraic Topology

Algebraic Topology is not only a highly-deveolped “abstract” field of “pure” Mathematics – it also offers an effective and versatile toolbox for applications in diverse fields such as Combinatoics, Discrete Geometry, Statistics and Data Analysis.

Some of these applications rely on topological ideas, concepts and theorems that allow one to measure hidden "topological" structures, such as connectivity or obstructions to mapping. Others rely on the explicit computation of topological invariants, such as homology or linking numbers.

The goal of the Introductory Worskshop for the MSRI program will be to survey the "Algebraic Topology toolbox" from the view of applications, and to present areas of current interest where topological tools have been applied, are being employed or should be brought into play.

Invited speakers include:
Robert Ghrist (University of Illinois), Sergio Rajsbaum (Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico), Konstantin Mischaikow (Georgia Institute of Technology), Shmuel Weinberger (New York University), John Harer (Duke University), Susan Holmes (Stanford University), Gunnar Carlsson (Stanford University), Guenter Ziegler (Technische Universität, Berlin), Eric Babson (University of Washington), Persi Diaconis (Stanford University), Yuliy Baryshnikov (Bell Laboratories), Rade Zivaljevic (Mathematical Institute SANU Belgrade).

View Schedule

Tuesday, September 5
9:30 - 10:30 Robert Ghrist
10:30 - 11:00 Morning Break
11:00 - 12:00 Günter Ziegler
12:00 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 2:30 Sergio Rajsbaum
2:30 - 3:30 Konstantin Mischaikow
3:30 - 4:00 Afternoon Break
4:00 - 5:00 Shmuel Weinberger
5:00 - 6:00 Reception

Wednesday, September 6
9:30 - 10:30 Robert Ghrist
10:30 - 11:00 Morning Break
11:00 - 12:00 Rade Zivaljevic
12:00 - 2:30 Lunch
2:30 - 3:30 Konstantin Mischaikow
3:30 - 4:00 Afternoon Break
4:00 - 5:00 Susan Holmes

Thursday, September 7
9:30 - 10:30 Gunnar Carlsson
10:30 - 11:00 Morning Break
11:00 - 12:00 Eric Babson
12:00 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 2:30 Bob MacPherson
2:30 - 3:30 Persi Diaconis
3:30 - 4:00 Afternoon Break
4:00 - 5:00 Contributed Talk: Rima Izem

Friday, September 8
9:30 - 10:30 Gunnar Carlsson
10:30 - 11:00 Morning Break
11:00 - 12:00Yuliy Baryshnikov
12:00 - 1:30 Lunch
1:30 - 2:30 Persi Diaconis
2:30 - 3:15 Contributed Talk: Christian Laing
3:15 - 4:00 Contributed Talk: Steven Ellis

Currently Available Videos

Robert Ghrist , Algebraic Topology for Sensor Networks September 5,2006, 09:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Gunter Ziegler , Kneser and Tverberg: On the power of topological methods in Combinatorics September 5,2006, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Sergio Rajsbaum , Algebraic Topology in Distributed Computing September 5,2006, 01:30 PM to 02:30 PM
Konstantin Mischaikow , Computational Topology and Dynamics September 5,2006, 02:30 PM to 03:30 PM
Shmuel Weinberger , Computing the homology of a manifold from somewhat noisy random data. September 5,2006, 04:00 PM to 05:00 PM
Robert Ghrist , Topology for sensor networks September 6,2006, 09:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Rade Zivaljevic , Configuration Space – Test Map Scheme September 6,2006, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Konstantin Mischaikow , Computational Topology and Dynamics September 6,2006, 02:30 PM to 03:30 PM
Susan Holmes , Horseshoes and Spectral Methods for Detecting Hidden Variables September 6,2006, 04:00 PM to 05:00 PM
Gunnar Carlsson , Algebraic Topology and High Dimensional Data Analysis September 7,2006, 09:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Eric Babson , The Topology of Maps between Graphs September 7,2006, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Robert MacPherson , The Geometry of Grains September 7,2006, 01:30 PM to 02:30 PM
Persi Diaconis , From Characterization to Algorithm September 7,2006, 02:30 PM to 03:30 PM
rima izem , How to Describe Variations in Manifolds September 7,2006, 04:00 PM to 05:00 PM
Gunnar Carlsson , Algebraic Topology and High Dimensional Data Analysis September 8,2006, 09:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Yuliy Baryshnikov , Topological Variants of Arrow Theorem September 8,2006, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Persi Diaconis , Projection Purist: A Review and Extensions September 8,2006, 01:30 PM to 02:30 PM
Christian Laing , Geometric Measures as RNA Shape Descriptions September 8,2006, 02:30 PM to 03:30 PM
Steven Ellis , Singularity of Data Analytic Operators September 8,2006, 03:30 PM to 04:30 PM

You can find videos of other workshops and events on our VMath - Streaming Video page.

For more information:
Questions about this workshop should be sent either by email to

378@msri.org

or by regular mail to:

Introductory Workshop on Computational Application of Algebraic Topology Mathematical Sciences Research Institute 17 Gauss Way, Berkeley, CA 94720-5070. USA

The Institute is committed to the principles of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action.

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