The interaction between topology and curvature is a fundamental theme in modern mathematics. The study of scalar curvature plays an increasingly important role not only in geometry and topology, but also in general relativity and theoretical physics more generally through the theory of Dirac operators. This special session will bring together experts and young researchers who study these topics from many different points of view. The aim of this session is to share viewpoints and progress on understanding the scalar curvature and topology of manifolds, and to establish new connections among the culturally diverse groups spread worldwide, but particularly in the USA.

The Annual International Conference of the Georgian Mathematical Union was established in 2010 and has been held traditionally at Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University. Batumi is the city of Georgia and the capital of the Autonomous Republic of Adjara. It is located along the coast of the Black Sea in the southwest region of Georgia. In accordance with recent developments, the conference has been conducted in a hybrid format since 2021. The purpose of the conference is to bring together mathematicians from various fields to present their original research results and provide opportunities to establish new connections within the fields of pure and applied mathematics, as well as science, engineering, and technology. The conference also provides valuable networking opportunities for you to meet great personnel in these fields.

The conference sections: Algebra and Number Theory; Differential and Integral Equations, and Their Applications; Geometry and Topology; Logic, Language, Artificial Intelligence; Mathematical Education and History of Mathematics; Mathematical Logic and Discrete Mathematics; Mathematical Modeling and Numerical Analysis; Theoretical Physics; Probability Theory and Statistics, Financial Mathematics; Real and Complex Analysis.

Please share this opportunity with potentially interested students and postdocs.

The application deadline for the Heidelberg Laureate Forum (HLF) 2026 is Feb 11, 2026. See https://www.heidelberg-laureate-forum.org/ for details.

The HLF offers a rare opportunity for students, PhD candidates, and postdocs in mathematics and computer science to spend a week interacting with Abel Prize, Fields Medal, Turing Prize, ACM Prize in Computing, IMU Abacus Medal and Nevanlinna Prize laureates, as well as with other outstanding international early-career mathematicians and computer scientists from around the world, and a variety of distinguished guests. The program includes lectures, workshops, panel discussions, networking events, and more. All local expenses (hotel and meals) are covered and an option to apply for travel funding exists if needed.

Participating in an HLF is a wonderful opportunity in many ways.