Workshop

This workshop will introduce the main branches in the study of knot homology theories. It will consist of three mini-courses, one on knot Floer homology and related topics; one on the various approaches to Khovanov and Khovanov-Rozansky homology; and one on categorification on quantum groups. (There will also be several stand-alone lectures.) The techniques involved in the three branches are quite different; in particular, Heegaard Floer theory is analytic in nature, with its origin in gauge theory and symplectic geometry, while both Khovanov homology and categorification are more algebraic in nature, with origins in representation theory and algebraic geometry. The workshop will provide an opportunity for graduate students and researchers outside the field to gain entry, as well as for researchers working in one part of the field to learn about techniques and developments in other parts. Speakers for the mini-courses: Knot Floer homology: Matt Hedden Lenhard Ng András Juhász Khovanov/Khovanov-Rozansky homology: Scott Morrison Ben Webster Categorification of Quantum Groups: Sabin Cautis Aaron Lauda Bibliography (PDF) Accomodations: A block of rooms has been reserved at the Rose Garden Inn. Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-992-9005 OR directly on their website. Click on Corporate at the bottom of the screen and when prompted enter code MATH (this code is not case sensitive). By using this code a new calendar will appear and will show MSRI rate on all room types available. The cut-off date for reservations is January 4, 2010. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hotel Durant. Please mention the workshop name and reference the following code when making reservations via phone, fax or e-mail: MSRIINTROHOMOLOGY. If you are making your reservations on line, please go to Hotel Durant website, choose your dates of stay and enter the "123MSRI" promo code in the box. The cut-off date for reservations is December 29, 2009. The rate is $139 per night plus tax. New, completely renovated Hotel Shattuck Plaza has rooms available for you! MSRI’s preferred rate is $131. Guests can either call the hotel’s main line, 510-845-7300, and ask for the MSRI rate or go to http://www.hotelshattuckplaza.com, click on "Corporate Rates" in the reservation screen and type the code msri10. If you are interested in finding participants to share a hotel room with please visit Hotel Sharing . You will need to create an account (this will only take a few minutes). After log in please go to the "Main Forum" to view the "Hotel Sharing" thread.