Bong Lian (Brandeis)

Title: From string theory and Moonshine to vertex algebras

Abstract: This is a brief survey of the early historical development of vertex algebras, beginning in the seventies from Physics and Representation Theory. We shall also discuss some of the ideas that led to various early formulations of the theory’s foundation, and their relationships, as well as some of the subsequent and recent developments. The lecture is aimed at a general audience.

Slides | Video