Topological Quantum Matter, Noncommutative Geometry and Singularities
A Conference in Honor of Markus Pflaum's 60th Birthday,
University of Colorado Boulder, April 10-11, 2026
A Conference in Honor of Markus Pflaum's 60th Birthday,
University of Colorado Boulder, April 10-11, 2026
Understanding topological phases of matter lies at the frontier of both mathematics and physics: the relevant physical phenomena connect deeply to topological quantum field theory, noncommutative geometry, and the algebraic structure of C*-algebras. This conference, organized jointly by physicists and mathematicians, brings together experts in topological quantum matter, noncommutative geometry, and singularity theory to share recent developments and foster the dialogue between mathematics and physics that is essential for advancing our theoretical understanding of this rich area of research.
This conference will also be an opportunity to celebrate the 60th birthday and influential career of Markus Pflaum, whose broad body of work has impacted areas across mathematics and mathematical physics, from the analysis of stratified spaces, to deformation quantization of singular phases spaces, to the study of topological phases of matter.
The conference will feature 45 minute plenary talks by invited speakers and 25 minute contributed talks. See the schedule for the talk titles and locations.
Mike Hermele, Physics, CU Boulder
David Jonas, Chemistry, CU Boulder
Anton Kapustin, Physics and Mathematics, California Institute of Technology
Henri Moscovici, Mathematics, Ohio State University
Hessel Posthuma, Mathematics, University of Amsterdam
Emil Prodan, Physics, Yeshiva University
Martin Schottenloher, Mathematics, LMU Munchen
Daniel Spiegel, Mathematics, Harvard University
Xiang Tang, Mathematics, Washington University in St. Louis
Shreya Arya, Pennsylvania State University
Laura Shou, University of Maryland
Nikita Sopenko, Institute for Advanced Study
Marvin Qi, Kadanoff Center for Theoretical Physics
Agnès Beaudry (CU Boulder, Department of Mathematics)
Gregory Berkolaiko (Texas A&M, Department of Mathematics)
Michael Hermele (CU Boulder, CTQM & Department of Physics)
Leo Radzihovsky (CU Boulder, CTQM & Department of Physics)
Department of Mathematics, University of Colorado Boulder
Center for Theory of Quantum Matter, University of Colorado Boulder