Algebra/Topology seminar

Speaker: Ailsa Keating

Title: Structural properties of symplectic mapping class groups

Abstract: Given a symplectic manifold, an important invariant is its symplectic mapping class group, a generalisation of the classical mapping class group for real surfaces. In higher dimensions, relatively little is known; a natural question is to understand to what extent structural properties of classical mapping class groups do and don't generalise. We will present a biased selection of results in this direction, focusing on the case of Weinstein manifold (loosely, complex submanifolds of C^n). No prior knowledge of symplectic topology will be assumed. Partially based on joint work with Paul Hacking and with Ivan Smith.