WORKSHOP: International Colloquium on Group-Theoretical Methods in Physics

Symmetry plays an important role in sciences and art and group theory provides a mathematical framework for the studies of symmetries. The International Colloquium on Group-Theoretical Methods in Physics (ICGTMP) is a meeting place for physicists and mathematicians who use mathematical and numerical methods based on geometry and symmetry in their work. The Colloquium will take place in Newcastle from 26-30 July 2010 and is organised jointly by Northumbria University and Durham University.The aim of the event is to broaden and diversify the mathematical and numerical methods based on geometry and symmetry further through their applications to biosciences, physical sciences, quantum information, nonlinearity and complexity. The workshop will focus on new directions of research and stimulate interdisciplinary research and collaborations.

The impact of this event has a wide range of benefits: Directions of Research: It is anticipated that the interdisciplinary character of the event, the motivating talks, the new ideas and the lively discussions, will stimulate the formation of new directions of research, particularly in the interface of group theory, theoretical and mathematical physics and life sciences. Knowledge: The event will make a significant contribution to knowledge. The participants will report and debate original work. The conference materials will be published online and available as open source. Skills and training: The event will motivate participants to improve their presentations skills, provides an excellent opportunity for networking and contributes to the training and development of the young researchers. Collaboration and exploitation: The interdisciplinary and multi-disciplinary aspects of the event will stimulate wider interactions and development of new collaborations. Communication and engagement: The workshop is a forum for communication and dissemination of original research. The planned activities have also public outreach. Possible economic benefits: Some of the directions of research, namely applications to quantum optics and quantum information, have already applications in technological devices for quantum computing and quantum control. The applications to life sciences and condensed matter could contribute to the development of new drugs or discovery of new materials. Track record: The team has an excellent research track record and extensive experience in organisation of events. The organisation of the event started in 2009 and is now in its advanced stage. Resources: The requested resources are mainly for travel and subsistence of the plenary speakers. The small catering resource will be used for two evening events: to facilitate the communications and discussions and establish pleasant, friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The technical support will assure that the event will run smoothly and achieve its objectives. A limited amount of the Investigators time for the week of the conference is requested to assist the Organisers to run smoothly the event.