One of the most important developments in group theory in recent years was the solution of the problems of Tarski on the elementary theory of free groups. The solution used methods coming from low dimensional topology and geometric group theory. In the process a powerful theory of algebraic geometry over groups was developed and big progress was made towards the solution of longstanding open problems in the theory of equations over free groups.

This has opened a new vista of research asking for generalization of these results to the setting of hyperbolic, relatively hyperbolic and CAT(0) groups. The theory of hyperbolic groups was developed extensively over the past years and it is a subject of intense current investigation the generalization of this very fruitful theory to relatively hyperbolic and CAT(0) groups.

The focus of this workshop will be to introduce Ph.d students and young researchers to these powerful new techniques and bring together experts for an exchange on the state of the art of the subject.

This workshop is partially supported by the Marie Curie Conferences and Training Courses Programme MSCF-CT-2006-045987 GROUPS and by the Department of Mathematics of the University of the Aegean.

Invited speakers include:

  • Daskalopoulos G., Brown University
  • Feighn M., Rutgers University
  • Fujiwara K., Tohoku University
  • Groves D., University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Guirardel V., Universite de Toulouse III (Paul Sabatier)
  • Jaligot E., Universite Lyon 1
  • Levitt G., Universite de Caen
  • Louder L., University of Michigan
  • Ould Houcine A., Universite de Lyon 1
  • Perin, C. Universite de Caen
  • Sela Z., Hebrew University
  • Short H., Universite de Aix-Marseille I
  • Swenson E., Brigham Young University
  • Weidmann R., Heriot-Watt University
  • Wilton H., University of Texas-Austin
The conference will be held at Anogia Academic Village in Crete. Young researcers of any nationality who are preparing a PhD thesis, or have recently obtained their PhD in a closely related field are encouraged to apply for funding. Accomodation will be covered and we can partially cover travel expenses.