Organizing Committee
Abstract

Given an incidence structure, one may model a variety of geometric problems. This Semester Program will revolve around two fundamental examples and their applications to modern challenges in the study, analysis, and design of materials. (1) Packings and patterns of circles where the underlying combinatorics are mixed with advanced geometric concepts and strong links are made to discrete differential geometry. (2) The rigidity and flexibility of bar-joint structures where real algebraic geometry is intertwined with sparse graph theory and matroidal techniques. A prime objective of the program is to advance the applicability of these topics to fundamental applications, most notably in statistical physics and materials science.

The program will integrate diverse fields of discrete mathematics, geometry, theoretical computer science, mathematical biology, and statistical and soft matter physics. Various workshops will be designed to attract both theoretical and applied practitioners and to stimulate the cross-fertilization of ideas between these disparate communities.

Image for "Geometry of Materials, Packings and Rigid Frameworks"

Confirmed Speakers & Participants

Talks will be presented virtually or in-person as indicated in the schedule below.

  • Speaker
  • Poster Presenter
  • Attendee
  • Virtual Attendee
  • Niklas Affolter
    TU Berlin
    Feb 10-14, 2025
  • Nicholas Barvinok
    ICERM
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Daniel Bernstein
    Tulane University
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025; Mar 17-21, 2025
  • Alexander Bobenko
    Technische Universität Berlin
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • John Bowers
    James Madison University
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Philip Bowers
    The Florida State University
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Ulrike Bücking
    Freie Universität Berlin
    Feb 10-14, 2025
  • Dmitry Chelkak
    University of Michigan
    Feb 10-14, 2025
  • Robert Connelly
    Cornell University
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Sean Dewar
    University of Bristol
    Mar 17-21, 2025
  • William Floyd
    Virginia Tech
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025; Feb 10-14, 2025
  • Dániel Garamvölgyi
    Eötvös Loránd University
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • David Glickenstein
    University of Arizona
    Feb 10-14, 2025
  • Steven Gortler
    Harvard
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025; Mar 17-21, 2025
  • Georg Grasegger
    Johann Radon Institute for Computational and Applied Mathematics (RICAM), Austrian Academy of Sciences
    Mar 16-Apr 12, 2025
  • Elizabeth Gross
    University of Hawai'i at Mānoa
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Joel Hass
    University of California, Davis
    Feb 10-14, 2025
  • Zeyuan He
    University of Cambridge
    Sep 4, 2024-Apr 30, 2025
  • Matthias Himmelmann
    University of Potsdam
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Miranda Holmes-Cerfon
    University of British Columbia
    Apr 7-11, 2025
  • Bill Jackson
    Queen Mary University of London
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025; Mar 17-21, 2025
  • Tibor Jordán
    Eötvös Loránd University
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Matthew Kahle
    Ohio State University
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Richard Kenyon
    Yale University
    Feb 10-14, 2025
  • Vitaliy Kurlin
    University of Liverpool
    Apr 6-19, 2025
  • Alison La Porta
    Lancaster University
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Wai Yeung Lam
    Université du Luxembourg
    Feb 9-Mar 1, 2025
  • Matthew Larson
    Stanford University
    Mar 17-21, 2025
  • Kisun Lee
    Clemson University
    Mar 17-21, 2025
  • Jan Legerský
    Czech Technical University in Prague
    Mar 15-Apr 12, 2025
  • Feng Luo
    Rutgers University
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025; Feb 10-14, 2025
  • Carl Lutz
    TU Berlin
    Feb 10-14, 2025
  • Xiaoming Mao
    University of Michigan
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Aida Maraj
    Harvard University
    Mar 17-21, 2025
  • Sabetta Matsumoto
    Georgia Institute of Technology
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Anthony Nixon
    Lancaster University
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025; Mar 17-21, 2025
  • Isabella Novik
    University of Washington
    Mar 17-21, 2025
  • Corey O'Hern
    Yale University
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Daria Pchelina
    ENS Paris
    Feb 10-14, 2025
  • Yuval Peled
    Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
    Mar 17-21, 2025
  • Zvi Rosen
    Florida Atlantic University
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Lorenzo Ruffoni
    Binghamton University
    Feb 10-14, 2025
  • Marianna Russkikh
    Notre Dame
    Feb 10-14, 2025
  • Andy Sageman-Furnas
    North Carolina State University
    Feb 10-14, 2025
  • Christian Santangelo
    Syracuse University
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Francisco Santos
    University of Cantabria
    Mar 17-21, 2025
  • Jean-Marc Schlenker
    University of Luxembourg
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Anna Seigal
    Harvard University
    Mar 17-21, 2025
  • Brigitte Servatius
    Worcester Polytechnic Institute
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025; Mar 17-21, 2025
  • Jessica Sidman
    Amherst College
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025; Mar 17-21, 2025
  • William Sims
    University of Florida
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Meera Sitharam
    University of Florida
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Nina Smeenk
    TU Berlin, Germany
    Feb 10-14, 2025
  • Ben Smith
    Lancaster University
    Mar 17-21, 2025
  • Jack Southgate
    University of St Andrews
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Kenneth Stephenson
    University of Tennessee
    Feb 10-14, 2025
  • Ileana Streinu
    Smith College
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025; Feb 10-14, 2025
  • Seth Sullivant
    North Carolina State University
    Mar 17-21, 2025
  • Gudrun Szewieczek
    Technical University of Munich
    Feb 10-14, 2025
  • Shin-ichi Tanigawa
    University of Tokyo
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Louis Theran
    University of St Andrews
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Nathaniel Vaduthala
    Tulane University
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025
  • Zhen Zhang
    Cornell University
    Jan 29-May 2, 2025; Feb 10-14, 2025

Visit dates listed on the participant list may be tentative and subject to change without notice.

Application Information

ICERM welcomes applications from faculty, postdocs, graduate students, industry scientists, and other researchers who wish to participate. Some funding may be available for travel and lodging. Graduate students who apply must have their advisor submit a statement of support in order to be considered.

ICERM Funding for Fellowships
ICERM has funding available for fellowships to support faculty who attend one of our semester programs. These are often used to cover teaching buyouts so that participants can be in residence throughout a semester program. We welcome requests from those not based at R1 research universities and those based at minority-serving institutions, including HBCUs, HSIs, TCUs, and AAPISIs. The standard amount for a full semester is $25,000. Email ICERM’s Director for more information.

Your Visit to ICERM

ICERM Facilities
ICERM is located on the 10th & 11th floors of 121 South Main Street in Providence, Rhode Island. ICERM's business hours are 8:30am - 5:00pm during this event. See our facilities page for more info about ICERM and Brown's available facilities.
Traveling to ICERM
ICERM is located at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Providence's T.F. Green Airport (15 minutes south) and Boston's Logan Airport (1 hour north) are the closest airports. Providence is also on Amtrak's Northeast Corridor. In-depth directions and transportation information are available on our travel page.
Lodging/Housing
Visiting ICERM for longer than a week-long workshop? ICERM staff works with participants to locate accommodations that fit their needs. Since short-term furnished housing is in very high demand, take advantage of the housing options ICERM may recommend. Contact programstaff@icerm.brown.edu for more details.
Childcare/Schools
Those traveling with family who are interested in information about childcare and/or schools should contact housing@icerm.brown.edu.
Technology Resources
Wireless internet access and wireless printing is available for all ICERM visitors. Eduroam is available for members of participating institutions. Thin clients in all offices and common areas provide open access to a web browser, SSH terminal, and printing capability. See our Technology Resources page for setup instructions and to learn about all available technology.
Accessibility
To request special services, accommodations, or assistance for this event, please contact accessibility@icerm.brown.edu as far in advance of the event as possible. Thank you.
Discrimination and Harassment Policy
ICERM is committed to creating a safe, professional, and welcoming environment that benefits from the diversity and experiences of all its participants. Brown University's "Code of Conduct", "Discrimination and Workplace Harassment Policy", "Sexual and Gender-based Misconduct Policy", and "Title IX Policy" apply to all ICERM participants and staff. Participants with concerns or requests for assistance on a discrimination or harassment issue should contact the ICERM Director or Assistant Director Jenna Sousa; they are the responsible employees at ICERM under this policy.
Fundamental Research
ICERM research programs aim to promote Fundamental Research and mathematical sciences education. If you are engaged in sensitive or proprietary work, please be aware that ICERM programs often have participants from countries and entities subject to United States export control restrictions. Any discoveries of economically significant intellectual property supported by ICERM funding should be disclosed.
Exploring Providence
Providence's world-renowned culinary scene provides ample options for lunch and dinner. Neighborhoods near campus, including College Hill Historic District, have many local attractions. Check out the map on our Explore Providence page to see what's near ICERM.

Visa Information

Contact visa@icerm.brown.edu for assistance.

Need a US Visa?
J-1 visa requested via ICERM staff
Eligible to be reimbursed
B-1 or Visa Waiver Business (WB) –if you already have either visa – contact ICERM staff for a visa specific invitation letter.
Ineligible to be reimbursed
B-2 or Visa Waiver Tourist (WT)
Already in the US?

F-1 and J-1 not sponsored by ICERM: obtain a letter approving reimbursement from the International Office of your home institution PRIOR to travel.

H-1B holders do not need letter of approval.

All other visas: alert ICERM staff immediately about your situation.

ICERM does not reimburse visa fees. This chart is to inform visitors whether the visa they enter the US on allows them to receive reimbursement for the items outlined in their invitation letter.

Financial Support

This section is for general purposes only and does not indicate that all attendees receive funding. Please refer to your personalized invitation to review your offer.

ORCID iD
As this program is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), ICERM is required to collect your ORCID iD if you are receiving funding to attend this program. Be sure to add your ORCID iD to your Cube profile as soon as possible to avoid delaying your reimbursement.
Acceptable Costs
  • 1 roundtrip between your home institute and ICERM
  • Flights on U.S. or E.U. airlines – economy class to either Providence airport (PVD) or Boston airport (BOS)
  • Ground Transportation to and from airports and ICERM.
Unacceptable Costs
  • Flights on non-U.S. or non-E.U. airlines
  • Flights on U.K. airlines
  • Seats in economy plus, business class, or first class
  • Change ticket fees of any kind
  • Multi-use bus passes
  • Meals or incidentals
Advance Approval Required
  • Personal car travel to ICERM from outside New England
  • Multiple-destination plane ticket; does not include layovers to reach ICERM
  • Arriving or departing from ICERM more than a day before or day after the program
  • Multiple trips to ICERM
  • Rental car to/from ICERM
  • Flights on a Swiss, Japanese, or Australian airlines
  • Arriving or departing from airport other than PVD/BOS or home institution's local airport
  • 2 one-way plane tickets to create a roundtrip (often purchased from Expedia, Orbitz, etc.)
Travel Maximum Contributions
  • New England: $350
  • Other contiguous US: $850
  • Asia & Oceania: $2,000
  • All other locations: $1,500
  • Note these rates were updated in Spring 2023 and superseded any prior invitation rates. Any invitations without travel support will still not receive travel support.
Reimbursement Requests

Request Reimbursement with Cube

Refer to the back of your ID badge for more information. Checklists are available at the front desk and in the Reimbursement section of Cube.

Reimbursement Tips
  • Scanned original receipts are required for all expenses
  • Airfare receipt must show full itinerary and payment
  • ICERM does not offer per diem or meal reimbursement
  • Allowable mileage is reimbursed at prevailing IRS Business Rate and trip documented via pdf of Google Maps result
  • Keep all documentation until you receive your reimbursement!
Reimbursement Timing

6 - 8 weeks after all documentation is sent to ICERM. All reimbursement requests are reviewed by numerous central offices at Brown who may request additional documentation.

Reimbursement Deadline

Submissions must be received within 30 days of ICERM departure to avoid applicable taxes. Submissions after thirty days will incur applicable taxes. No submissions are accepted more than six months after the program end.

Associated Semester Workshops

Matroids, rigidity, and algebraic statistics
Image for "Matroids, rigidity, and algebraic statistics"
Geometry of Materials
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