Skein theory and factorization homology offer powerful ways to link higher algebra with manifold topology, reflecting locality in topological field theory and yielding applications in condensed matter and quantum field theory. At the same time, categorification has reshaped parts of quantum topology and representation theory, with successes such as link homology and categorified quantum groups.
Recent developments suggest that categorification can provide new inputs to skein-theoretic invariants, including smooth 4-manifold invariants arising from Khovanov homology, culminating in the Ren–Willis algebraic detection of exotic 4-manifolds. Higher monoidal categories and 2-representations are also emerging as sources of new topological field theories and connections across geometry and representation theory.
This workshop brings together researchers working in skein theory, categorification, low-dimensional topology, higher categories, and mathematical physics to develop these links, address foundational challenges, and build new bridges between communities.
This workshop will include a poster session; a request for posters will be sent to registered participants in advance of the workshop.
Anna Beliakova
(University of Zurich)
David Jordan
(University of Edinburgh)
Aaron Lauda
(University of Southern California (USC))
Paul Wedrich
(University of Hamburg)
Copyright. All Rights Reserved.