String sigma models are a class of two-dimensional field theories that describe how strings move through space-time. For generic curved space-time geometries, such theories are very difficult to solve. Integrable string sigma models are special: they possess a hidden infinite-dimensional symmetry that constrains the dynamics so much that exact solutions become possible. Integrable string sigma models then serve as one of the few examples in theoretical physics where non-perturbative, exact results in a theory that includes gravity are within reach, making them a crucial testing ground for our understanding of quantum strings and the gauge/gravity duality. In the past years, systematic deformations of integrable models also uncovered deep connections between string dualities, quantum groups, and even challenges usual notions of integrability.
This workshop will bring together experts of integrable sigma models, with blackboard talks and ample time for discussion, fostering new collaborations and driving progress.
The workshop will focus on:
Integrable deformations of sigma models
Low-supersymmetry AdS/CFT
Integrable models with boundaries and defects
Quantum groups, Yangians and elliptic symmetries
Membranes and non-planar holography
August 15 is the canonical arrival day and August 21 is the canonical departure day. All participants of the workshop will stay on-site at Villa Garbald, where breakfast, lunch and dinner will be served using local produce.
Niklas Beisert (ETH Zürich)
Sibylle Driezen (ETH Zürich)
Simon Ekhammar (King's College London)
Sergey Frolov (Trinity College Dublin)
Charlotte Kristjansen (NBI, University of Copenhagen)
Sylvain Lacroix (LPTHE, Paris)
Ian Le Meur (EPFL)
Fedor Levkovich-Maslyuk (City University of London)
Adrien Molines (ETH Zürich)
Fiona Seibold (EPFL)
Alessandro Sfondrini (Birmingham University & INFN Padova)
Arkady Tseytlin (Imperial College London)
Konstantin Zarembo (NORDITA Stockholm)
Castasegna is a charming Swiss village located right on the border with Italy, between Chiavenna and Bregaglia. It takes little less than 5 hours to get there from Zürich, and little less than 4 from Milan (by public transport; coming by car takes 3h and 2h30, respectively).
From Zürich by public transport it is necessary to go to Chur, change train to St-Moritz and take a public bus (bus 604 in direction "Chiavenna - Stazione") from St-Moriz to the conference venue (stop "Castasegna - Vecchia Dogana").
From Milano by public transport, it is necessary to reach Chiavenna, which can be done by train with a change in Colico. From there, one should continue by public bus (bus 604 in direction "St-Moritz, Bahnhof") from Chiavenna to the conference venue (stop "Castasegna - Vecchia Dogana").
For international participants the organisers recommend travelling through Zürich and getting the SBB Saver Day Pass for both the arrival and departure day. It is a ticket that allows travel on (nearly) all public transports (train, bus, boat) in Switzerland for a specific day, see the area of validity here. If bought well in advance, the price is CHF 52 in 2nd class (CHF 29 with a Half Fare Travelcard), or CHF 88 in 1st class (CHF 49 with a Half Fare Travelcard). The ticket gets more expensive closer to the date of travel.
The workshop is organised by Sibylle Driezen (ETH Zürich) and Fiona Seibold (EPFL).
The workshop is supported by the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) through
Sibylle Driezen's Swiss Postdoctoral Fellowships "Rethinking AdS/CFT Integrability" (project number 224600)
Fiona Seibold's Ambizione grant "Effective strings, membranes, and their solvability" (project number 223544)
We also thank Villa Garbald and the Garbald Fund for support.