Introduction

This research school revolves around the interaction of Algebra, Combinatorics and Geometry. Objects of interest in Algebraic Geometry are affine as well as projective varieties and their associated invariants which can be studied using methods from Algebra and Combinatorics. Such approaches have been applied successfully to the study of Toric varieties and Tropical varieties. In this school we will encounter topics such as cones, graphs, hyperplane arrangements and matroids which naturally play a prominent role in Discrete Geometry. Application of Algebraic and Combinatorial methods in Geometry serve to build bridges between different topics within Mathematics. The main goal of this school is to explore these connections. There will be lectures ranging from the foundational to recent results followed by applications. The lectures range from the foundations to recent results and applications of the relevant theory.