Millions for mathematical research at KTH
KTH has been awarded funding to recruit two mathematicians from abroad – a postdoctoral researcher and a visiting professor. The funds come from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation in collaboration with the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
The grant to recruit a postdoctoral researcher goes to Henrik Shahgholian , professor at the Department of Mathematics. KTH will also welcome, as a visiting professor, Hal Schenck, professor at Auburn University, Alabama, USA, hosted by mathematics professor Sandra Di Rocco.
Shahgholian’s research project focuses on a classical problem in geometric analysis: the study of constraint maps – mappings between geometric objects that must satisfy given restrictions.
A popular example is the problem of using as little fabric as possible to design a fashionable hat. Similar problems arise naturally in contexts where shapes are optimised under constraints. These have been studied in various forms since ancient times, when architects and engineers utilised the principles of minimal surfaces to construct stable and efficient structures, such as arches and domes.
Deformation under constraint
“This project studies "deformation under constraint," modeling how materials like plastic wrap stretch or soap bubbles land on rough surfaces. We study how these deformations form unknown boundaries and "tear" at certain points. Our goal is to prove these tearing, singular points stay within a specific region, keeping the maps stable”, Shahgholian says.
Schenck is an internationally renowned researcher in algebraic geometry, well-known for his ability to combine conceptual depth with concrete calculational techniques.
The development of advanced calculational methods has meant that previously purely theoretical questions in various disciplines – physics, biology and computer science – can increasingly be addressed using modern algebraic and geometric methods.
Understanding of phenomena from the natural world
The planned research programme will use new methods from algebraic geometry to explore four distinct themes: Geometry and physics, Dynamical systems, Data analysis and Algebraic questions.
“Our collaboration will use a blend of techniques from computation and experiment to expand our theoretical understanding of phenomena from the natural world. In particular we aim to better understand problems from network dynamics and physics, and to use mathematical techniques to extract meaning from massive data sets”, Schenck says.
Text: Christer Gummeson ( gummeson@kth.se )