Abstract
Considerations from physics suggest the existence of a phenomenon called mirror symmetry which, very roughly speaking, exchanges complex and symplectic geometry. Although the underlying physical theory is not mathematically rigorous, mirror symmetry nonetheless makes many testable predictions. In the inaugural lecture we will give a gentle introduction to vector bundles on spaces with the aim of explaining the most basic instance of mirror symmetry which relates vector bundles on the 2-sphere to curves on a cylinder.
Inaugural lecture for the 2021 Francqui Chair at the ULB (Slides)
Mis à jour le 22 avril 2021