Monsters and Small Cancellation Theory

Mathematisches Institut
Universität Leipzig
Feb. 19 - Feb. 23, 2024

Lecturer: Damian Osajda
Exercise sessions: Martín Blufstein, Karol Duda

This short intensive course is an introduction to the modern developments in small cancellation theory. In particular we will see how small cancellation theory allows to construct "Monsters", i.e. discrete groups whose Cayley graphs contain expanders. The main prerequesite is some familiarity with the theory of infinite groups.

The course is intended for PhD students, postdocs, and all other mathematical researchers.

Leipzig undergraduate students can take this course as an equivalent of 1 SWS (Semesterwochenstunde) - please discuss it with Lukasz Grabowski before the course commences if you are interested.

Schedule

Lectures daily 11:15-12:45 in Felix-Klein-Hörsaal (5th Floor, Neues Augusteum).

Exercise classes daily 14:00-15:00 in Felix-Klein-Hörssal.

Any extra materials (notes, slides) will be available here.

Exercise sheet 1 Exercise sheet 2 Exercise sheet 3 Exercise sheet 4

Financial Support

We offer a small number of grants of up to €400 towards hotel and/or travel expenses for PhD students who are not based in Leipzig, and who would like to participate in the whole course.

To apply for a grant please send a short letter to Lukasz Grabowski explaining your mathematical interests and why taking part in this workshop would be beneficial to you. Please also arrange a letter of support from your supervisor or another member of staff to be sent to the same address. The deadline for applications is Jan. 31. The decisions will be announced by email shortly afterwards.