Combinatorial models for mapping class groups

Tara Brendle (University of Glasgow)

Monday 28th September, 2015 16:00-17:00 Maths 522

Abstract

In 1997 Ivanov proved that the automorphism group of the complex of curves associated to a surface S is isomorphic to the (extended) mapping class group Mod(S), for most surfaces.  His work generated a flurry of activity, with similar results obtained by several different authors for various other simplicial complexes associated to surfaces.  Ivanov then posed a metaconjecture stating that every "sufficiently rich" complex associated to a surface S has Mod(S) as its group of automorphisms.  In this talk we will discuss a resolution of Ivanov's metaconjecture for a wide class of complexes and describe applications to normal subgroups of Mod(S).  (This is joint work with Dan Margalit.)

Add to your calendar

Download event information as iCalendar file (only this event)