For detailed event information, please see: http://pskoufra.info.yorku.ca/seminars/southern-ontario-operator-algebra-seminar-2019/ . 

 

The field of operator algebras originated with von Neumann in the early part of the 20th century as a mathematical framework for modeling phenomenon in quantum mechanics. It has since become a fundamental component of modern theoretical physics, most recently as the primary setting for quantum information theory and quantum computing. In addition, it has become an indispensable part of the mathematical landscape, with important connections to other areas in mathematics like group theory, dynamical systems and probability. It is these connections that have increasingly become the focus of the modern theory of operator algebras. Operator Algebras is a rapidly advancing area of mathematics, with many significant accomplishments in recent years. Notable recent highlights include the striking success of Elliott's classification program for nuclear C*- algebras, the central importance of Voiculescu's free probability in random matrix theory and Popa's breakthrough work in the classification of finite factors with its extraordinary impact on the field of measurable dynamics. In addition, the past few years alone have seen the solution of the longstanding Kadison-Singer problem and the solution of Tsirelson's problem in quantum information theory.