ESF Research Conferences

In recent years there has been a growing interest in "applicable" aspects of classical knot theory in 3D, motivated by the discovery of new concepts and techniques with strong geometric flavor, both in pure and applied mathematics. Many of these new mathematical approaches have been stimulated by research interaction between mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology. This conference aims at bringing together world specialists in knot theory and applications by fostering a strong interaction between theoretical methods, numerical methods and applications in mathematical and theoretical physics, polymer physics and biology. Particular emphasis will be put on progress in geometric techniques and computational implementation of knot theoretical concepts to explore classification issues, energy/complexity relations, knot tightening and functional properties of physical knots.

The proposed conference will be an event of primary importance at the crossroad of geometric knot theory, mathematical and theoretical physics, polymer physics and biology. New impetus on geometric approach to knots in 3D from an analytical and numerical viewpoint is expected. Indeed, this conference provides a timely response to a call for more work on geometric aspects of knot theory and applications and is part of the 3-month intensive research period program on “Knots and Applications”, that takes place at the Centro di Ricerca Matematica "Ennio De Giorgi" of the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, Italy and that is organised in collaboration with INdAM.