Operator Algebras and Random Matrices Conference, 23-30 July 2004, Ambleside

Organizers. Prof Stephen C. Power, Dr Gordon Blower (both Lancaster), Prof Kenneth R. Davidson (Waterloo, Canada) and Prof Yurii Suhov (Cambridge, England)

fax: 01524 592681; tel: (UK) 01524 593962.
e-mail: g.blower@lancaster.ac.uk
Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YF, England UK.

Dates. This LMS workshop will be held at Ambleside, Cumbria in England from 23-30 July 2004.

Topics. The main themes of the meeting are:

1. free semigroup algebras;
2. free probability, information and entropy;

3. the mean field approach to random matrix theory.

Further Information

• Abstracts
• Schedule
• Accommodation

Format. The format of the meeting is to have around 20 lectures of one-hour duration, with the main speakers each giving 3 or 4 lectures on some common theme. The Scientific Committee will approve lecture titles in advance and circulate abstracts of the talks. The main invited speakers are Stanislaw Szarek (Paris VI) and Ken Dykema (TAMU), reflecting the intention to unite the operator algebraic and probabilistic approaches to the subject. The meeting is open to all who are interested; in particular PhD students and other young researchers are welcome. As with previous Ambleside meetings, PhD students or recent PhD candidates will give a couple of the lectures.

Venue. The lecture room and accommodation would be provided by St. Martin's College at their campus on Rydal Road in Ambleside, Cumbria. This is a most attractive venue on the banks of Lake Windermere.

Travel. Ambleside is a village six miles from the nearest train station in the town of Win- dermere. There is a direct rail link from Manchester Airport Station to Windermere, with a frequent service. For many overseas participants, a flight to Manchester International Airport followed by a rail journey will be the simplest way of reaching Ambleside. Further, Windermere is connected by rail to Oxenholme, a stop on the West Coast main line from Glasgow to London Euston. Bus 555 goes from Windermere station through Ambleside towards Keswick.
The M6 motorway passes down the eastern side of the Lake District and junction 36 gives the turning onto the A590 towards Windermere. The A591 heads north from Windermere towards Keswick and is the main road through Ambleside. St Martin's College is the large white house on a hill that is to the right-hand side of the driver leaving Ambleside; Fairfield Hall is a grey stone building which on the opposite side of the road to the white house. Just before these buildings there is a mini-roundabout and a sharp right turn to Kirkstone.

Accommodation. Fairfield Hall can accommodate up to 40 participants at this time. The daily full-board cost is GBP 57.65. The organizers aim to cover the local expenses of most of the participants. Additional accommodation needs could be met by nearby hotels.

Amenities. The Lake District is a popular area for outdoor pursuits, especially walking; it is also a relaxing place for those who simply wish to enjoy the scenery.