Conference Program

Schedule

The conference will be held in Anfiteatro do Complexo Interdisciplinar (point 3 on the map).

Lectures

CORNALBA, The BFKL Pomeron in AdS/CFT
Abstract: We describe the deep connection between the BFKL pomeron trajectories in N=4 SYM and the corresponding Regge trajectory of the graviton in AdS. We will discuss both the formal aspects, related to the invariance of high-energy interactions under the transverse conformal group, as well as more applied aspects, regarding the physics of deep inelastic scattering at small values of Bjorken x.

FERRARI, On Localization and Some of Its Applications in Supersymmetric Gauge Theories
Abstract: I will introduce the idea of localization and explain its use in recent developments in supersymmetric gauge theories. I will emphasize in particular the applications to N=1 gauge theories.

GOPAKUMAR, Galilean Conformal Algebras and AdS/CFT
Abstract: We will describe a novel non-relativistic limit that can be studied within the usual AdS/CFT context. This limit arises from taking a group contraction of the relativistic conformal symmetry. One of the interesting features of this limit is that the resulting galilean conformal symmetry has an infinite dimensional extension (in any spacetime dimension). In fact, it contains a Virasoro-Kac-Moody algebra. We also describe the bulk dual to this non-relativistic sector in terms of a Newton-Cartan like geometric description in which the dynamical variables are not the metric but rather affine connections. The bulk dual always contains an AdS₂ whose asymptotic isometries exactly match the infinite dimensional symmetries found in the boundary description.

HARMARK, New Approaches to Higher-Dimensional Black Holes
Abstract: We have learned in recent years that black holes in more than four space-time dimensions is an unexpectedly rich subject. Starting with the discovery of the black ring in five dimensions it has become clear that many new type of black holes can exist in higher dimensions, contrary to the four-dimensional case where only one type of black hole exists. For five-dimensional black holes some very powerful techniques inherited from four dimensions makes it possible to understand the space of black hole solutions, at least assuming certain symmetries. For more than five dimensions new techniques are needed. I will present in this talk two new approaches to higher-dimensional black holes that can help in understanding the space of black hole solutions, in particular in more than five dimensions. One approach is the blackfold construction of new black holes which essentially is a world-volume effective theory of black holes with two highly separate scales. This can be used to construct new types of black hole solutions in certain regimes with highly separate scales. The other approach is the domain structure which is a classification scheme for black holes.

MARIÑO, Nonperturbative Aspects of the Topological String: A Conservative Point of View
Abstract: In this talk I will review some recent progress in understanding nonperturbative aspects of matrix models and topological strings from a conservative point of view, i.e. by relying on old ideas about instanton corrections in quantum theories and their relation to the perturbative series.

MARTELLI, The AdS/CFT Correspondence and Sasaki-Einstein Geometry
Abstract: I will review some aspects of the AdS/CFT correspondence, emphasising the important role played by Sasaki-Einstein and related geometry. I will discuss classes of supersymmetric quiver gauge theories and their gravity duals. Examples will include 3D Chern-Simons quiver gauge theories in the context of the AdS₄/CFT₃ correspondence, relevant for understanding M2-branes.

MINWALLA, Thermal Equilibration and Fluid Dynamics from Gravity
Abstract: The AdS/CFT correspondence asserts that every evolution of a strongly coupled large N conformal field theory admits a dual description as a solution of Einstein's equations coupled to other fields. In particular the dynamical process of thermalization of conformal field theories is dual to the bulk process of horizon formation, while nearly equilibrated field theory dynamics --- i.e. fluid dynamics --- is dual to spacetimes with slowly fluctuating horizons. In this talk we determine a large class of the relevant gravity solutions by a direct analysis of Einstein's equations, and learn several lessons about boundary thermalization and fluid dynamics from this process.

RASTELLI, Holography in the Veneziano Limit
Abstract: I will describe recent progress towards the long-standing goal of finding the string theory dual of N=2 super Yang-Mills with N_f = 2 N_c fundamental flavors.

SCHOMERUS, Superspace Sigma Models
Abstract: Sigma models on target superspaces are a subject of considerable importance, with a wide range of applications in statistical physics, condensed matter and string theory. Those will be reviewed in the first part of the first lecture. The second part is then devoted to supergeometry. In particular, I shall introduce supergroups and cosets, study their vector fields and determine the spectrum of Laplacians with special emphasis on those features that are characteristic for super-manifolds. The second lecture discusses basic results and recent developments in the field of superspace sigma models. Special attention will be payed to models with PSL(N|N) symmetry.

Special Events

There will be a welcome reception on Monday evening, after the end of the first conference day, and on Tuesday night we plan to have the Conference Dinner (please note that, because there is no registration fee, the dinner will have to be paid by each participant).

The reception will take place on Monday, at 6pm, in the gardens adjacent to the Department of Mathematics. Port wine will be served!

The conference dinner will take place on Tuesday, at 8pm (price is 36 euros per person, with drinks included). The venue: Casa do Alentejo, Rua Porta de Santo Antão, 58, in the heart of town. Reachable by subway from the "Alameda" subway stop (get off at "Rossio" subway station and walk a few meters).