Gradient Random Fields (11w5124)

The Banff International Research Station will host the "Gradient Random Fields" workshop from May 29th to June 3rd, 2011.

Gradient random fields are mathematical models arising in a variety of applied contexts. One is theoretical physics, where they are believed to capture the large-scale behavior of microscopic fluctuating interfaces or magnetic materials at the so-called Curie temperature point. Another use of these models comes from material science, where they describe the displacement of microscopic constituents of a piece of material that is deformed by stress/shear forces on its boundary. In mathematics, these models have been studied in three disciplines -- analysis, probability theory and mathematical physics -- with rather disjoint goals and technical means. There are many important technical challenges and it is clear that their solution will only come from close collaboration between experts in these fields. The purpose of the meeting is to bring these experts together and facilitate the exchange of ideas and technical know-how among them.

The Banff International Research Station for Mathematical Innovation and Discovery (BIRS) is a collaborative Canada-US-Mexico venture that provides an environment for creative interaction as well as the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and methods within the Mathematical Sciences, with related disciplines and with industry. The research station is located at The Banff Centre in Alberta and is supported by Canada's Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), Alberta's Advanced Education and Technology, and Mexico's Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT).