Workshop: Algorithms in Contact Topology

In this workshop, we aim to bring together researchers and students to discuss algorithms in contact topology. One of our main goals will be to discuss the contactomorphism problem in dimension three.

We will have an introductory talk every day in the morning, ample time to discuss and work in small groups in the afternoon, and perhaps a research talk to cap off the day. 

The introductory talks and topics discussed in the afternoon will be accessible to advanced master students with background knowledge in 3-manifold topology and contact geometry. 

Speakers:

• Morning introductory talks:

  • Rima Chatterjee (Ohio State University) — Convex surface theory

  • Marc Kegel (Universidad de Sevilla) — Counting contact manifolds and the contactomorphism problem

  • Marc Lackenby (University of Oxford)  — The homeomorphism problem for 3-manifolds

  • Burak Ozbagci (Koc University, Istanbul) — Symplectic fillings

  • Maxim Prasolov (Lomonosov Moscow State University) — Grid diagrams and algorithms for Legendrian knots

• Late afternoon participant talks:
  Short, contributed talks to round off the day, offering participants a chance to share ideas, work in progress, or related topics.

• Precourse:

In the first week of September, there will be a precourse providing the necessary scientific background on contact geometry and 3-manifold topology. Details to follow.

Atmosphere & goals:

We aim to create a welcoming and collaborative environment with ample time for interaction and discussion. By keeping the group small, we hope to foster deep engagement and spark new research directions and collaborations.

Registration:

There are no registration fees or associated formalities (except for a brief registration). Registration happens on a rolling basis untill we are fully booked. If you want to participate, please register as soon as possible. No certificates of participation, meals, or other services are provided. 

Support:

This workshop is supported by the Institute of Mathematics of the University of Seville (IMUS), the IMUS-Maria de Maeztu grant CEX2024-001517-M - Apoyo a Unidadesde Excelencia María de Maeztu, funded by MICIU/AEI/10.13039/501100011033, and by VII Plan Propio de Investigación y Transferencia (VII PPIT-US).