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Amenability of Groups and Algebras

January 4 - 8, 2007

Australian National University

A symposium to mark Rick Loy's retirement

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The aim of the symposium is to bring together group theorists and analysts working on amenability to facilitate an exchange of ideas between these areas of research. Invited speakers include mathematicians who have made important contributions to amenability in group theory or Banach algebras, as well as younger mathematicians whose work is related to amenability. Rick Loy, who retired from the Mathematical Sciences Institute in June 2006, has made significant contributions at the interface between amenability of groups and Banach algebras. The meeting will both recognize his achievements and stimulate further investigation of the consequences of amenability.

Organizing Committee

• George Willis, University of Newcastle
• Andrew Kepert, University of Newcastle

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Invited Plenary Speakers (as of 18 September, 2006)

• Garth Dales, University of Leeds
• Fereidoun Ghahramani, University of Manitoba
• Slava Grigorchuk, Texas A & M University
• Vadim Kaimanovich, International University Bremen
• Tony Lau, University of Alberta
• Charles Read, University of Leeds
• Volker Runde, University of Alberta

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Program

The program will commence at 9.30am on Thursday January 4 and conclude at noon of Monday January 8. There will be three talks in the mornings, with a further one or two talks late in the afternoons. Most of the afternoons will be given over to informal workshops and interaction between participants. Within this timetable, it is planned to have sequences of up to 3 talks along the specific themes of amenability in groups, amenability in algebras, as well as individual talks as offered by participants.

It is planned to have a symposium dinner on the Friday evening, cost is included on the registration fee, for accompanying persons cost is expected be $50 all inclusive.

A draft schedule is now available here.

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Financial support

There are limited funds available from AMSI and the CMA to go towards meeting the local accommodation costs of participants while travel expenses to and from Canberra are expected to be met by the participants' grant or home institution.

AMSI allocates a travel allowance annually to each of its member universities (for a list of members see here). It is expected that students or early career researchers from AMSI member universities without access to a suitable research grant will apply to their Head of Department/Discipline for a subsidy of travel accommodation and registration fee for this symposium out of this allowance.

Some further partial travel support may be generally available, though no guarantee can be given at this stage. Should you wish to be considered for this indicate on the registration form.

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Accommodation

Accommodation has been reserved at Liversidge Court Apartments (bldg #78). Any overflow will be accommodated bed and breakfast in single rooms with shared facilities at Ursula College (bldg #1). Please give details on the registration form if you wish us to arrange accommodation for you, we will get back to you if your choice is not available. Participants are expected to arrive on the afternoon of Wednesday January 3, and depart by the afternoon of Monday January 8. Should you wish to arrive earlier or leave later we will endeavour to extend your accommodation booking (at your own expense).

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Registration

The registration fee is $50 for participants from AMSI institutions and $100 for all others. It will be payable on arrival, and will cover the cost of morning and afternoon teas as well as a welcome reception and symposium dinner.

Registration has now closed.

List of registered participants.

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Visas etc

All international visitors will need either a visa or an Electronic Travel Authority. Details here.

Should you need a formal invitation for your home institution and/or visa purposes, indicate this on your registration form.

You will also not be covered by Australian Medicare, and should ensure you have your own medical insurance.

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Sponsors

The workshop is partly funded by

• The Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI)
• The Centre for Mathematics and its Applications (CMA)

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Location

Further details about the Australian National University and Canberra in general is given here.

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All enquiries should be directed to George Willis or

Dr George Willis

School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences

Building V, University of Newcastle

Callaghan 2308 AUSTRALIA

Tel: +61 2 4921 5666

Facsimile: +61 2 4921 6898

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