Workshop

Commutative algebra was born in the 19th century, of number theory on the one hand and invariant theory on the other; today it is a mature field with activity on many fronts, and important links to other fields such as representation theory, algebraic and arithmetic geometry, combinatorics, and noncommutative geometry. Cluster algebras, on the other hand, were conceived in 2000 as a tool for studying semisimple Lie groups. They are constructively defined commutative algebras with generators and the relations produced by an iterative process of successive mutations.Though cluster algebras are ``just'' commutative algebras with distinguished sets of generators, the field has developed from very different sources. It now has flourishing and striking connections with several diverse areas, such as quiver representations, Teichmueller theory, invariant theory, tropical calculus, Poisson geometry, and polyhedral combinatorics. The time is ripe for a major meeting in which the connections between the cluster algebras and classical commutative algebra are explored. As natural as this proposition is, the two fields have not been in close contact; the Joint Introductory Workshop will be a groundbreaking event.The workshop will take place at the opening of the MSRI special programs on Commutative Algebra and on Cluster Algebras. It will feature lecture series at different levels, to appeal to a wide variety of participants. There will be minicourses on the basics of cluster algebras, and others developing particular aspects of cluster algebras and commutative algebra.Speakers:Holger Brenner (University of Osnabrueck)Sergey Fomin (University of Michigan)Craig Huneke (University of Kansas)Bernhard Keller (Universite Paris VII)Bernard Leclerc (Universite de Caen)Irena Peeva (Cornell University)Idun Reiten (Norwegian University of Science and Technology, NTNU)Frank Schreyer (Universitat des Saarlandes)Karen Smith (University of Michigan)Dylan Thurston (Barnard College)Alek Vainshtein (University of Haifa, Israel)Michel Van den Bergh (Universiteit Hasselt)Accommodation: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.MSRI has a preferred rate of $119 at the Hotel Shattuck Plaza, depending on room availability. There is no cut-off date for reservations. Guests can either call the hotel's main line at 510-845-7300 and ask for the Joint Introductory Workshop: Cluster Algebras and Commutative Algebra rate; or go to www.hotelshattuckplaza.com and enter dates of stay at top of screen and click Book Now.  Once on the reservation page, click Preferred/Corporate Rate Accounts and input the code "algebra12".There are rooms avaialble at the Hotel Durant. Please mention MSRI and the workshop name when making reservations via phone, fax or e-mail. If you are making your reservations on line, please go to this link and choose your dates of stay. The rates begin at $120 per night plus tax.