From topological to synthetic modular formsMPIM

by Sven van Nigtevecht (Universität Bonn)

Monday Jan 26, 2026, 2:00 PM → 3:00 PM Europe/Berlin

MPIM, Vivatsgasse, 7 - Lecture Hall (Max Planck Institute for Mathematics)

MPIM Topology Seminar: Miniseries on topological modular forms and synthetic spectra

This talk serves as a gentle introduction to both tmf and synthetic ideas. We will explain the need for and intricacies of the computation of the homotopy groups of tmf, and highlight the core principle of what makes our synthetic approach to this computation tick. This can even be demonstrated in the setting of chain complexes; in particular, familiarity with spectra is not required for this talk.