Mikhail Khovanov

Abstract:   Various quantum invariants of links can be turned into link homology theories: functors from the category of link cobordisms to some algebraic category. We will discuss the general framework for link homology and explain the simplest nontrivial example, a categorification of the Jones polynomial.

Here are some directions to Northeastern University. Lake Hall and Nightingale Hall can be best accessed from the entrance on the corner of Greenleaf Street and Leon Street. The two halls are connected, with no well-defined boundary in between. In particular, 509 Lake Hall is on the same corridor as 544 Nightingale Hall.

There is free parking available for people coming to the Colloquium at Northeastern's visitor parking (Rennaisance Garage). The entrance is from Columbus Avenue. If coming by car, you should park there and take the parking talon. After the lecture, you may pick up the payment coupon from Andrei Zelevinsky.