Reflection groups. The study of symmetry in geometrical and abstract contexts is a central issue in such diverse areas as mathematical physics, singularity theory, algebraic geometry, quantum groups and the study of knots and braids. Group theory provides the mathematical framework for the analysis of symmetry. Reflection groups, simple examples of which are the symmetry groups of the five platonic solids, play a key role in all of the areas mentioned above. Thus an improved understanding of ref ....Reflection groups. The study of symmetry in geometrical and abstract contexts is a central issue in such diverse areas as mathematical physics, singularity theory, algebraic geometry, quantum groups and the study of knots and braids. Group theory provides the mathematical framework for the analysis of symmetry. Reflection groups, simple examples of which are the symmetry groups of the five platonic solids, play a key role in all of the areas mentioned above. Thus an improved understanding of reflection groups will significantly enhance the development of several important theories.
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Generalised topological spaces. Pure mathematics creates abstractions of real-world entities; one such is the idea of a 'topological space', which abstracts from geometric forms like cubes and toruses. But topological spaces fail to capture geometric structures arising in areas like quantum physics; and this project seeks to rectify this, by developing a new more general notion.
Geodetic groups: foundational problems in algebra and computer science. The project aims to resolve important and longstanding open problems in Geometric Group Theory and Theoretical Computer Science. Since the 1980s researchers have conjectured that the geometric property of being geodetic is equivalent to several purely algebraic, algorithmic, and language-theoretic characterisations.
The project team's expertise in geodesic properties of groups, the interaction between formal languages and g ....Geodetic groups: foundational problems in algebra and computer science. The project aims to resolve important and longstanding open problems in Geometric Group Theory and Theoretical Computer Science. Since the 1980s researchers have conjectured that the geometric property of being geodetic is equivalent to several purely algebraic, algorithmic, and language-theoretic characterisations.
The project team's expertise in geodesic properties of groups, the interaction between formal languages and groups, and the theory of rewriting systems, together with recent breakthroughs by the team ensures that significant results can be expected.
Benefits include training research students and postdoctoral researchers in cutting-edge techniques, and advancing fundamental knowledge in mathematics and computer science.Read moreRead less
Structure of relations: algebra and applications. Relations and relational structures form the fundamental mathematical essence required for studying computational problems and computational systems. This project will provide new algebraic methods for solving old problems in the theory of relations, informing our understanding of computational complexity and the nature of computing.
The language complexity of problems in algebra and logic. This project focuses on a major problem at the intersection of algebra, logic and computer science, concerning equations over free groups and free monoids. Expected outcomes include a language-theoretic characterisation of solutions of equations in a wide class of groups and monoids, a language-theoretic understanding of the existential and first-order theories of free groups, and a classification of groups with indexed multiplication tab ....The language complexity of problems in algebra and logic. This project focuses on a major problem at the intersection of algebra, logic and computer science, concerning equations over free groups and free monoids. Expected outcomes include a language-theoretic characterisation of solutions of equations in a wide class of groups and monoids, a language-theoretic understanding of the existential and first-order theories of free groups, and a classification of groups with indexed multiplication tables and EDT0L word problem. The project is designed to expand the frontiers of knowledge in theoretical computer science and pure mathematics, but in the longer term to deepen our understanding of computers, their computational power and intrinsic limitations.Read moreRead less
Permanents, permutations and polynomials. The benefits to Australia of fundamental research in core disciplines such as mathematics are well documented. Discrete mathematics and combinatorics are boom disciplines of the computer age and this project seeks new knowledge concerning basic building blocks of combinatorial mathematics. The outcomes will be of interest to theoreticians around the world, enhancing Australia's already high research profile in this crucial area. Importantly, the project ....Permanents, permutations and polynomials. The benefits to Australia of fundamental research in core disciplines such as mathematics are well documented. Discrete mathematics and combinatorics are boom disciplines of the computer age and this project seeks new knowledge concerning basic building blocks of combinatorial mathematics. The outcomes will be of interest to theoreticians around the world, enhancing Australia's already high research profile in this crucial area. Importantly, the project also offers substantial postgraduate training in mathematics, an area in which Australia has an identified skill shortage.Read moreRead less
The Structure and Geometry of Graphs. Graphs are ubiquitous mathematical structures that model relational information such as information flows, transportation networks, and biochemical pathways. It is often desirable to have a geometric representation of a graph. For example, a programmer will better understand a computer program if the flow of information within the program is represented by a visually appealing drawing. The focus of the project will be the interplay between graph structure th ....The Structure and Geometry of Graphs. Graphs are ubiquitous mathematical structures that model relational information such as information flows, transportation networks, and biochemical pathways. It is often desirable to have a geometric representation of a graph. For example, a programmer will better understand a computer program if the flow of information within the program is represented by a visually appealing drawing. The focus of the project will be the interplay between graph structure theory and geometric properties of graphs. Moreover, the project will have significant applications to other area of mathematics and computer science, including computational complexity, analysis of data structures, and three-dimensional information visualisation.Read moreRead less
Analysis of the structure of latin squares. The benefits to Australia of fundamental research in core disciplines such as mathematics are well documented. Discrete mathematics and combinatorics are boom disciplines of the computer age and this project seeks new knowledge concerning basic building blocks of combinatorial mathematics. The outcomes will be of interest to theoretical discrete mathematicians around the world, enhancing Australia's already high research profile in this important area ....Analysis of the structure of latin squares. The benefits to Australia of fundamental research in core disciplines such as mathematics are well documented. Discrete mathematics and combinatorics are boom disciplines of the computer age and this project seeks new knowledge concerning basic building blocks of combinatorial mathematics. The outcomes will be of interest to theoretical discrete mathematicians around the world, enhancing Australia's already high research profile in this important area of pure mathematical research. Importantly, the problems under investigation offer substantial opportunity for excellent postgraduate training, critical for the future of Australian research. Read moreRead less
Cycle decompositions of graphs. The benefits to Australia of fundamental research in core disciplines such as mathematics are well documented. This project aims to solve long-standing and significant open problems in the field of mathematics known as graph theory. Solving such problems will undoubtedly bring Australian research in this field to the fore, and help to enhance Australia's international research profile generally. The project offers substantial postgraduate training in the form of t ....Cycle decompositions of graphs. The benefits to Australia of fundamental research in core disciplines such as mathematics are well documented. This project aims to solve long-standing and significant open problems in the field of mathematics known as graph theory. Solving such problems will undoubtedly bring Australian research in this field to the fore, and help to enhance Australia's international research profile generally. The project offers substantial postgraduate training in the form of three excellent PhD projects in discrete mathematics. The computer age has ensured that this is a booming discipline and an increasing component of undergraduate syllabi around the world. It is thus a crucial area in which to be providing quality research training.Read moreRead less
New frontiers in statistical mechanics. The chiral Potts model has been introduced in 1981 as a model for commensurate-incommensurate phase transitions in a layer of atoms or molecules adsorbed to a solid surface. If the adsorbed atoms all fit to holes between the surface atoms, the added layer is frozen, commensurate with the surface. If the added atoms are unable to fit holes, the added layer is no longer commensurate with the surface and could be in a floating state. A deeper understanding of ....New frontiers in statistical mechanics. The chiral Potts model has been introduced in 1981 as a model for commensurate-incommensurate phase transitions in a layer of atoms or molecules adsorbed to a solid surface. If the adsorbed atoms all fit to holes between the surface atoms, the added layer is frozen, commensurate with the surface. If the added atoms are unable to fit holes, the added layer is no longer commensurate with the surface and could be in a floating state. A deeper understanding of this and similar phenomena in layered systems has nanotechnological implications. This may affect the design of new small electronic devices or could apply to small biological systems and the development of new medicines. The project will surely lead to new applicable mathematics.Read moreRead less