Talbot 2011

Mentored by Carlos Simpson of the University of Nice

The 2011 Talbot Workshop focused on understanding the representations of fundamental groups of algebraic varieties, modulated according to the participants' interests. Topics included:

• The harmonic theory relating the moduli of Higgs bundles to the moduli of G-bundles with flat connection

• Deformation theory

• The topology of character varieties and symplectic/hyperkahler structures on moduli spaces.

• Extending Hodge theory to account for higher homotopy types.

• Studying non-compact cases.

 The 2011 Talbot Workshop was held at a lodge in Draper, Utah, a half-hour drive from the Salt Lake City airport. The lodge, adjacent to the Wasatch Mountain State Park, offered nearby hiking options and served as our home for the week. All talks were held at the lodge.

What is the Talbot Workshop? The Talbot Workshop is a weeklong workshop for young researchers. The week will be comprised of talks by participants and organized discussions during the mornings and evenings. The afternoon schedule will be kept clear for informal discussions and collaborations. The workshop discussions will have an expository character and will be aimed at graduate students and junior faculty interested in this year's workshop topic. At the same time, the workshop will host a diverse array of participants with varying backgrounds.

Who should apply? The Talbot Workshop seeks to gather a diverse array of young researchers--as such, there is no strict prerequisite on an applicant's mathematical background. Those working outside the field of topology, young graduate students, and other non-experts are encouraged to apply. In the end, we will seek a good mixture of experts and non-experts

Do I have to give a talk at the workshop? A little more than half the participants of the Talbot Workshop will be giving a talk. These talks are not meant to be talks on original research, and will be assigned based on the background of the participants.

How much funding can I receive from the workshop? This year's Talbot Workshop is generously supported by the NSF (grant DMS-1007096), but we will have limited funding and space at the workshop site. Our goal is to fund participants who require financial assistance, but we cannot guarantee funding for all.

When is the application deadline? Applications must be submitted by midnight on the night of January 31st, EST.

When will I know if I can be supported? We will inform participants of their acceptance, along with information regarding funding, by mid-February.

What if I have other questions? Please contact talbotworkshop(at)gmail.com with any questions. We will reply as soon as we can to any questions or requests, but please allow for up to a week for a response.