Workshop

Over the last century, algebraic invariants like cohomology have been a fundamental tool in studying properties of topological spaces. In the last 40 years, this trend has been reversed, cohomology and other homological methods have been used to study algebraic objects by introducing geometry (i.e., algebraic varieties, derived categories) that captures information about the algebras and their representations. The theme of this workshop will involve exploring the deep connections between representations and their underlying geometry. The main topics include: 1) Cohomology Theory: Varieties for Modules (for finite group schemes, quantum groups and other types of algebras), Endopermutation and Endotrivial Modules, p-local Finite Groups; 2) Derived Categories: Broue's Conjecture, Structure of Triangulated Categories, Representation Dimension; 3) Representations and Cohomology of Specific Groups and Algebras: Symmetric Groups, Finite Chevalley Groups, Reductive Algebraic Groups and associated Frobenius kernels. The lectures at this meeting will be aimed at presenting new developments in the area in a manner accessible for young researchers in the field. Accommodations: A block of rooms has been reserved at the Rose Garden Inn. Reservations may be made by calling 1-800-992-9005 OR directly on their website. Click on Corporate at the bottom of the screen and when prompted enter code MATH (this code is not case sensitive). By using this code a new calendar will appear and will show MSRI rate on all room types available. The following Group Code should be entered in the "Comment" field when booking through our Website. Group Code = CGMS58 . The cut-off date for reservations is March 16, 2008. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hotel Durant. Please mention the workshop name and reference the following code when making reservations via phone, fax or e-mail: ES0000. The cut-off date for reservations is February 29, 2008.