Algebra & Analysis Seminar: Prof Alexander Pukhlikov

Prof Alexander Pukhlikov (University of Liverpool)

From the Rationality Problem to Birational Rigidity

Abstract:

I will start with the Rationality Problem, one of the most classical problems in Algebraic Geometry, which is quite elementary to formulate but sometimes extremely hard to solve (and for certain classes of algebraic varieties it is still open). Then I will explain how this problem in higher dimensions leads to the concept of a rationally connected variety and the problem of birational rigidity. Some of the recent examples of birationally rigid and non-rigid varieties will be presented.

Note: This seminar was postponed from a previously advertised date in February.