Symplectic geometry, and its close relative contact geometry, are geometries closely tied to complex geometry, smooth topology, and mathematical physics. The h-principle is a general method used for construction of smooth geometric objects satisfying various underdetermined properties. In the symplectic context, h-principles typically give constructions of surprising exotica, and methods for detecting the basic flexible objects. We survey a number of results from the previous decade.

In this talk I will describe a topological approach to some problems about algebraic functions due to Klein and Hilbert. As a sample application of these methods, I will explain the solution to the following problem of Felix Klein: Let $\Phi_{g,n}$ be the algebraic function that assigns to a (principally polarized) abelian variety its $n$-torsion points. What is the minimal $d$ such that, after a rational change of variables, $\Phi_{g,n}$ can be written as an algebraic function of $d$ variables? This is joint work with Mark Kisin and Jesse Wolfson.

Please Note: This workshop is not open to the general public, but only to active researchers.

This workshop will focus on quantum aspects of black holes, focusing on applying ideas from quantum information theory.

This meeting is sponsored by the "It from Qubit"collaboration and is followed by the collaboration meeting in New York City.