Conference: North Carolina Conference on Algebra and Mathematical Physics (NCAMP) 2026

The award supports participation at the North Carolina Conference on Algebra and Mathematical Physics (NCAMP) which will be held October 8-10, 2026 at the University of North Carolina Wilmington in Wilmington, North Carolina. The conference focuses on the deep interactions between the fields of mathematical physics and algebra, including quantum algebra. Algebra provides mathematical languages for describing symmetry and structure, while mathematical physics uses mathematics to understand fundamental physical phenomena. Interactions between these fields have led to important advances in both mathematics and theoretical physics, including tools that help describe quantum systems and complex patterns of symmetry. NCAMP aims to strengthen the regional research community, promote further interaction between algebra and mathematical physics, and provide opportunities for sustained collaboration across institutions and career stages. The conference will also support the development of early-career researchers—graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career faculty—through exposure to current advances, mentoring opportunities, and professional networking. Emphasis will be placed on broadening participation by providing travel funding for early-career researchers and participants from institutions with more limited resources. The conference’s scientific program will focus on current developments on the interface of algebra and mathematical physics, and will feature plenary lectures from leading experts, as well as contributed talks. Central mathematical topics include the representation theory of quantum groups and Lie algebras, tensor and fusion categories, vertex operator algebras, conformal and topological field theory, low-dimensional topology, braid group representations, categorification, and related interactions with geometry and mathematical physics. For more information, please see the conference website: https://sites.google.com/site/lilitmart/ncamp26 This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.