AIM Workshop
June 1–5, 2026 • Pasadena, CA
Program Speakers Applying Logistics Policies

New Structures in Low-Dimensional Topology Workshop 2026

Our Simons Collaboration, New Structures in Low-Dimensional Topology, aims to bring together researchers across a wide array of disciplines to make progress on deep questions in the field. Some of these questions are directly concerned with smooth manifolds in low dimensions, while others center the formal algebraic structures which intertwine with, and emerge out of studies of manifolds and cobordisms more broadly.

This workshop aims to introduce graduate students and postdocs to the foundational mathematics underlying core areas such as gauge theory, quantum topology, categorification, and 4-manifolds, and to provide entry points into current research. We will feature several lecture series and research talks by junior faculty, designed to bridge gaps between varied subfields and to catalyze new collaborations.

Apply View preliminary timetable
Series lectures Research talks Grad/postdoc focused Low-dimensional topology

Quick facts

Dates
June 1–5, 2026
Venue
American Institute of Mathematics (AIM), Pasadena, CA
Time zone
Pacific Time (PT)
Organizers
Agustina Czenky, Cris Negron, Davide Passaro

AIM is housed on the 8th floor of Caltech Hall on the campus of Caltech in Pasadena, CA.

Support and funding

  • Travel & lodging: Support available for non-local participants (subject to availability).
  • Grant support: Simons Collaboration Grant No. 999367.

Additional venue specifics (room, check-in procedures) will be posted when available.

Speakers

Series

  • Abhishek Mallick (Dartmouth)
  • Sunghyuk Park (Harvard)
  • Joshua Wang (IAS & Princeton)

Research talks

  • Ross Akhmechet (Columbia U)
  • Melissa Zhang (UC Davis)
  • TBA

Structure and preliminary timetable

All times listed in Pacific Time unless otherwise noted. This timetable is preliminary and subject to change.

Time Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
9:30–10:30 Series 1 Series 2 Series 1 Series 3 Grad talks #2
Break Break
11:00–12:00 Series 2 Grad talks #1 Series 2 Series 1 Series 3
Lunch Lunch
2:00–3:30 Research 1 Series 3 Free! Research 2 Research 3

Applying

We can support travel and accommodations for non-local participants.

Application page

If you are preparing to apply, consider drafting a brief statement of interest and (if relevant) a short description of your background and topical focus in low-dimensional topology and adjacent areas.

Logistics

Venue: American Institute of Mathematics (AIM), Pasadena, CA.

AIM is housed on the 8th floor of Caltech Hall on the campus of Caltech in Pasadena, CA.

Getting there

By plane

The most convenient airports for reaching Pasadena are Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

  • Burbank (BUR): The closest airport to Pasadena (≈25 minutes by car). Rideshare services (Uber/Lyft), taxis, and rental cars are readily available at the terminal. This is the recommended airport when possible.
  • LAX: A major international airport with more flight options, but farther from Pasadena (≈45–75 minutes depending on traffic).
    • Rideshare / taxi: Upon arrival at LAX, follow signs to LAX-it, the designated pickup area for Uber, Lyft, and taxis. Free LAX-it shuttles run frequently from each terminal.
    • Public transportation: Take the FlyAway bus from LAX to Union Station. From Union Station, take the Metro A Line toward Azusa and exit at Memorial Park Station or Del Mar Station. Both stations are within walking distance of Caltech and the American Institute of Mathematics.

By car

Pasadena is easily accessible by car via major freeways in the Los Angeles area.

  • Parking at Caltech: Visitor parking is available on the Caltech campus, primarily in designated visitor lots and parking structures.
  • Parking policies: Parking on campus generally requires a permit or payment at pay stations. Detailed instructions (including recommended lots and daily rates) will be provided to accepted participants prior to the workshop.
  • Street parking: Limited metered street parking is available in surrounding neighborhoods, subject to posted time limits and city regulations.

We strongly recommend checking parking instructions provided by the organizers shortly before arrival, as campus parking policies may change.

Additional information

  • Lodging: TBA
  • Meals: TBA
  • Accessibility: TBA

Policies