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Galois theory of periods and applications.

Objective

A period is a complex number defined by the integral of an algebraic differential form over a region defined by polynomial inequalities. Examples include: algebraic numbers, elliptic integrals, and Feynman integrals in high-energy physics. Many problems in mathematics can be cast as a statement involving periods. A deep idea, based on Grothendieck's philosophy of motives, is that there should be a Galois theory of periods, generalising classical Galois theory for algebraic numbers. This reposes on inaccessible conjectures in transcendence theory, but these can be circumvented in many important cases using an elementary notion of motivic periods. This allows one to set up a working Galois theory of periods in many situations of arithmetic and physical interest.

These ideas grew out of the PI's recent proof of the Deligne-Ihara conjecture, in which the Galois theory of multiple zeta values was worked out. Multiple zeta values are one of the most fundamental families of periods, and their Galois group plays an important role in mathematics: it is conjecturally equal to Drinfeld's Grothendieck-Teichmuller group, the stable derivation algebra on moduli spaces of curves, and the Galois group of mixed Tate motives over the integers. It occurs in deformation quantization, the homology of the graph complex, and the Kashiwara-Vergne problem, as well as having numerous connections to string theory, and quantum field theory.

The goal of this proposal is to generalise this picture. Periods of moduli spaces of curves, multiple L-functions of modular forms, and Feynman amplitudes in quantum field and string theory should each have their own Galois theory
which is yet to be worked out.

This is completely uncharted territory, and will have numerous applications to number theory, algebraic geometry and physics.

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Keywords

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Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

ERC-COG - Consolidator Grant

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) ERC-2016-COG

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Host institution

THE CHANCELLOR, MASTERS AND SCHOLARS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 1 997 959,00
Address
WELLINGTON SQUARE UNIVERSITY OFFICES
OX1 2JD Oxford
United Kingdom

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Region
South East (England) Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Oxfordshire
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 1 997 959,00

Beneficiaries (1)

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