GAUGE THEORY AND STRING GEOMETRY (Mini Courses + Conference)
This two-week program aims to explore the intersection of gauge theory and string geometry, two of the most profound and rapidly developing areas of modern mathematics and theoretical physics. The first week will feature a series of five mini-courses taught by internationally acclaimed leaders in the field, while the second week will be an international conference bringing together experts and early-career researchers to foster discussions and new collaborations.
About
Gauge theory and string geometry have been at the forefront of mathematical and physical research for decades. Gauge theory, originating from physics, provides a framework for understanding fundamental forces and has inspired a range of mathematical advances. Notably, Donaldson’s work using gauge theory has led to significant progress in 4-manifold topology, and the development of Seiberg-Witten theory further refined our understanding of smooth 4-manifolds.
In parallel, string theory emerged as a candidate for unifying all known fundamental forces, leading to a deep interaction with mathematics. It inspired the concept of mirror symmetry, which reveals a duality between seemingly distinct Calabi- Yau manifolds and has motivated many developments in symplectic geometry and enumerative geometry.
The program will provide ample opportunities for participants to interact with experts, discuss open problems, and potentially initiate collaborations. We aim to foster an inclusive and interactive environment that encourages the exchange of ideas between researchers at different stages of their careers.
Organising Committee
Peter Bouwknegt (Australian National University)
Brett Parker (Australian National University)
Bryan Wang (Australian National University)
Scientific Committee
Kenji Fukaya (Tsinghua University)
Kaoru Ono (RIMS, Kyoto University)
Yongbin Ruan (Zhejiang University)
Gang Tian (Peking University)
Mini Courses (24-29 Nov 2025)
Lecturers
Daemi Aliakbar (Washington University in St. Louis)
Siqi He (Chinese Academy of Sciences)
Johanna Knapp (University of Melbourne)
Yixuan Li (Australian National University)
Emanuel Scheidegger (BICMR, Peking University)
Conference 01-05 Dec 2025
Invited speakers
Bohui Chen (Sichuan University)
Cheol-Hyun Cho (Postech)
Cheng-Yong Du ( Sichuan Normal University)
Michele Galli (University of Queensland)
Huijun Fan (Wuhan University)
Fuquan Fang (Capital Normal University)
Kenji Fukaya (Tsinghua University, Beijing)
Fei Han (National University of Singapore)
Siqi He (Chinese Academy of Science)
Weiqiang He (Sun Yat-sen University)
Hai-Long Her (Jinan University)
Jianxun Hu (Sun Yat-sen University)
Tsuyoshi Kato (Kyoto University)
Ctirad Klimcik (Université Aix-Marseille, France)
Xiaobo Liu (Peking University)
Jock McOrist (University of New England)
Ruben Minasian (CEA-Saclay, France)
Yong-Geun Oh (POSTECH)
Hiroshi Ohta (Nagoya University)
Kaoru Ono (Kyoto University)
Jongil Park (Seoul National University)
Shuaige Qiao (Capital Normal University, Beijing)
Hirofumi Sasahira (Kyushu university, Japan)
Emanuel Scheidegger (BICMR, Peking University)
Shanzhong Sun (Capital Normal University, Beijing, China)
Meng-Chwan Tan (National University of Singapore)
Gabriele Tartaglino-Mazzucchelli (University of Queensland)
Gang Tian (Peking University)
Mathai Varghese (University of Adelaide)
Yaoxiong Wen (Korea Institute for Advanced Study, Seoul)
Hang Wang (East China Normal University, China)
Longting Wu (Southern University of Science and Technology, China)
Siye Wu (National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu)
Chenglang Yang (Wuhan University)
Jun Zhang (University of Science and Technology of China)
Ruibin Zhang (University of Sydney)
Yingchun Zhang (Shanghai Jiaotong University)
Registration
Invited speakers talk submission
Poster Session Reception (first week)
If you would like to create a poster on your research to display and discuss with fellow Mathematicians at the Poster session please submit the title for your poster in the registration page or you can use the webform below.
Contributed talk submission (second week)
Conference dinner
There will be a conference dinner and welcome reception.
Student/Early Career participant support
Limited accommodation and travel funding is available to support participants. To apply, please complete the application form. Priority for funding will be given to graduate students, postdocs and those without access to other sources of funding. We strongly encourage those applying for support to submit a poster.
Mathematicians from historically underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. Applicants should try to find alternative sources of funding to complement the amounts they may receive from the conference.
While there is no strict deadline, we will start allocating the budget from 01 Oct 2025.
Applicants will be informed of decisions via email.
Student/Early Career Participant Support
Accommodation options
ANU Apartments (on campus)
ANU Halls of Residence (on campus)
Novotel Canberra - Google Maps
Peppers Gallery Hotel Canberra - Google Maps
Canberra Accommodation Centre. They are a short tram ride from ANU.
Forrest Hotel and Apartments. They are about a 10 min drive from ANU.
Travel information
Venue
Mathematical Sciences Institute
ANU College of Science
Seminar Rooms 1.33 & 1.37
Hanna Neumann Building #145, Science Road
The Australian National University
Canberra ACT 2600
Partners & sponsors
