Seminar

Small cancellation theory is a tool for constructing and studying infinite monster groups: finitely generated groups with extreme algebraic, geometric, and analytic properties. I will explain the fundamental idea that the Euler characteristic formula for planar graphs enables constructions of such groups. I will discuss how the recent geometric notion of acylindrical hyperbolicity has led us to the first strong structural results about large classes of monster groups (joint work with A. Sisto). Moreover, I will explain how this geometric viewpoint has enabled us to develop an easy-to-apply tool for constructing new examples of infinite bounded torsion groups (joint work with R. Coulon).