AGMS · Algebraic Geometry of Moduli Spaces

Algebraic geometry of moduli spaces

Rahul Pandharipande is a world-leading expert in algebraic geometry, in particular in the theory of Gromov-Witten invariants. This is an area developing rapidly in mathematical centres in the United States of America (USA), Europe, and Asia. The award of the Fields Medal in 2006 to his collaborator Andrei Okounkov attests to the relevance of his work and its importance in contemporary mathematics. Rahul's Pandharipande stay at IST from July 2010 to July 2011, under the auspices a Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowship (IIF), led to a significant increase in the level of activities in this area of Mathematics both at IST and in Portugal. During Rahul Pandharipande stay at IST, a new seminar in algebraic geometry, with an emphasis on moduli questions, was started. This seminar included 18 talks by some of the top experts in the field, providing a stimulating environment to pursue high-level research as well as exposing junior post-doctoral researchers and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) students to some of the most exciting new developments and open problems in the field. The frequent visits by some top mathematicians to IST also contributed to the visibility of Mathematics in Portugal. At the same time, Rahul Pandharipande was also able to pursue existing collaborations and embark on new directions with people both in Lisbon and around Europe. During his stay he hosted 11 visits by researchers from European and USA institutions, and he gave 10 invited lectures abroad, including some top institutions in Europe, the USA and Australia. During this period, he completed 5 research papers and was responsible for advising 3 PhD students, 2 post-doctoral fellows and one Gulbenkian talented young student. The fellowship of Rahul Pandharipande was terminated after 13 months, sooner that the expected 24-month period. During his stay in Lisbon, the administration of IST made all the efforts to open a permanent position in order to give him a chance to move to Lisbon. In spite of the difficult financial situation in the country, IST was able to open a competition for full professor at the Department of Mathematics in March 2012, to which Rahul Pandharipande could apply. By then, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) had made him an offer, financially much more attractive, which he eventually accepted. He moved to Zurich at the end of July 2011.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union