BIRS Workshop — Algebraic Aspects of Matroid Theory

The researchers participating in this workshop come from several mathematical subdisciplines, including combinatorics, algebraic geometry, and theoretical computer science. Their work and common interest here is to investigate new interactions between discrete mathematics, algebra, algebraic geometry, tropical geometry, and combinatorial algorithms. Some participants have collaborated before in smaller groups, but this meeting will provide an opportunity to work together more intensively. Several recent mathematical breakthroughs will be highlighted in the workshop, including the recent resolution of some long-standing open problems about graphs and matroids. These breakthroughs used a surprising combination of interdisciplinary techniques which the organizers expect to have exciting further applications.