Conference on "Interactions between higher algebra, manifolds and functor calculus"

Conference on "Interactions between higher algebra, manifolds and functor calculus", May 18-22, 2026

Functor calculus serves as a systematic method for approximating functors by their “polynomial” counterparts. These approximations often allow for interesting new computations in homotopy theory and geometry. For example, in the setting of manifolds, the work of Goodwillie–Klein–Weiss enables one to extend classical computations of spaces of embeddings beyond traditional stable ranges. On the other hand, Goodwillie's homotopy calculus has been successfully used by Dundas–Goodwillie–McCarthy to study algebraic K-theory, as well as by Arone–Mahowald to study the unstable homotopy groups of spheres.

Functor calculus has played a fundamental role in recent advances in geometric topology and led to new interactions between higher category theory and the theory of manifolds. By bringing together experts working across homotopy theory, manifold theory, and higher algebra, this conference will foster new collaborations among its participants and shed further light on the exciting interactions between these subjects. The program will also include a four-part lecture series by Manuel Krannich.

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Speakers:

Gregory Arone (Stockholm University)
Luciana Basualdo Bonatto (University of Oxford)
John Francis (Northwestern University)
Kaif Hilman (University of Bonn)
Hyeonhee Jin (MPIM Bonn)
Manuel Krannich (Karlsruher Institut für Technologie)
Alexander Kupers (University of Toronto Scarborough) *tbc
Fadi Mezher (Karlsruher Institut für Technologie)
Florian Naef (Trinity College Dublin)
Jonathan Pedersen (University of Toronto)
Oscar Randal-Williams (University of Cambridge)
Claudia Scheimbauer (Technische Universität München) *tbc
Julia Semikina (University of Lille)
Natalie Stewart (Harvard University)
Nathalie Wahl (University of Copenhagen) *tbc
Oliver Wang (University of Virginia)

Organisers:

Thomas Blom (MPIM Bonn)
Christian Kremer (MPIM Bonn)
Connor Malin (MPIM Bonn)
Peter Teichner (MPIM Bonn)

Application:

You can find the application form here.

The application deadline for funding requests ends on March 22, 2026. We reserve the right to organisational changes.

Contact:

hamfc$@$mpim-bonn$.$mpg$.$de

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