In memory of Professor Gianfranco Casnati (1963-2023): excellent mathematician and kindhearted person.

Applied Algebraic Geometry 2023-2024

"Rank does not confer privilege or give power. It imposes responsibility."

(Peter F. Drucker)

Next meeting

The variety of Grassmann tensors

Gilberto Bini

Università degli Studi di Palermo (Palermo, Italy)

After recalling the definition of Grassmann tensors, we will describe the varieties parametrizing them. In particular, we will give some contributions in the case of bifocal tensors and discuss some generalizations for trifocal tensors. The results presented in this talk, and those in progress, are obtained in collaboration with Marina Bertolini and Cristina Turrini.

May 2, 2024

Università degli Studi di Firenze

Dipartimento di Matematica e Informatica "Ulisse Dini"
Sala Conferenze "F. Tricerri" – 2:30 p.m.

Tensors and secant varieties

The study of secant varieties of projective varieties is a classical problem in algebraic geometry, which holds considerable significance in modern applied mathematics. Indeed, specific cases, such as the Segre variety, the Veronese variety, and the Grassmannian, yield parameterizations of the space of tensors, the subspace of symmetric tensors, and the subspace of skew-symmetric tensors, respectively. In particular, their secant varieties enable stratifications of tensor spaces by determining tensor rank.

In general, tensors can be seen as multi-dimensional arrays of numbers and have numerous applications in various scientific fields, including computational complexity, quantum computing, and computer science, as well as more practical applications like signal processing, bioinformatics, and spectroscopy. Notably, tensor decomposition has gained increased relevance not only among researchers in algebraic geometry but also in more applied communities.

Program

The structure of this program is built upon a series of meetings throughout the academic year. Its primary objective is to provide not only a comprehensive background on the subject but also an opportunity to stay updated on the current state of research activities related to tensor decomposition, secant varieties, and other topics in algebraic geometry. Additionally, it serves as a way for sharing and exchanging ideas with experts in these areas and for connecting with young researchers who are embarking on their academic careers. 

The meetings are usually scheduled to occur every three weeks between the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science "Ulisse Dini" at the University of Florence and the Department of Mathematics at the University of Bologna. Typically, each meeting lasts for one hour.

The participants include members affiliated with various institutions, including Marche Polytechnic University, Polytechnic University of Milan, Polytechnic University of Turin, University of Bologna, University of Ferrara, University of Florence, University of Milan, University of Modena and Reggio-Emilia, University of Siena, and University of Trento.

History

The concept of organizing a series of meetings focused on tensors and secant varieties has been a recurring initiative every academic year since 2014, when the first edition was launched as part of the program entitled Geometria Algebrica Numerica.

Over the years, this program has witnessed the active involvement of numerous professors and young researchers. In addition to the core members of the research groups at each institution, who continue to hold regular seminars, this initiative has also had the privilege of welcoming experts in algebraic geometry from institutions around the world. These experts have generously offered to present their contributions and share their latest research findings on occasion.

Organizers

Information

For any question and information about the cycle of seminars, to be added to the mailing list or to get the link to partecipate to the eventual online connection for the meetings, please write to cosimo.flavi@unifi.it.