Vertex operator algebras have been a topic of interest in mathematical physics for several decades, as they constitute one possible approach to formalize physical concepts from conformal field theory. They have relations to several other areas of mathematics, most notably

Topological Quantum Field Theory (TQFT) emerged in the 1980s in an effort to interpret quantum field theory through cobordism categories. Today, TQFTs play a central role in both mathematics and theoretical physics, especially in understanding global symmetries and the low-energy

Increasing Diversity in Mathematical & Related Sciences 2026 May 17 - 22, 2026, UBC Okanagan   This is a 5-day Summer School that will bring together a diverse group of undergraduate students who identify as women or other underrepresented gender

Topological quantum field theory (TQFT) is a powerful organizing framework for many areas of mathematics and physics. Born from 1980s algebraic topology—through discoveries such as Donaldson invariants and the Jones polynomial—and with quantum physics interpretations initially provided by Atiyah, Witten,