Knots, Links, and Polynomial Bounds

Abstract: Prof. Marc Lackenby is a leading mathematician in topology, geometry, and group theory, with major contributions to knot theory and low-dimensional topology. In this talk, he will discuss Reidemeister moves, the elementary transformations that relate different diagrams of the same knot or link, and the question of how efficiently one can pass between such diagrams. The talk will highlight his polynomial bounds for simplifying diagrams of the unknot, and explain recent work extending these ideas to every fixed link type. It will also describe the consequences for the computational complexity of recognizing knots and links. See the blog announcement functor.network/user/3333/entry/1896 of this talk for more details.

Mathematics

Audience: learners

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Theorems of the 21st Century Seminar

Series comments: Theorems of the 21st century series of online seminars aimed at an accessible presentation of some of the most significant mathematical theorems of the 21st century. We are proud to host an impressive list of speakers featuring world-renowned mathematicians.

See blog functor.network/user/3333/entries for detailed announcements of all talks in this seminar series, and more.

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