Events

Date: 14 October 2026   Time: 15:00 - 18:00     

Location: King's College, BH(S) 4.04 Bush House

The first Triangle meeting of the 2026/27 academic year.

Important: This year, the meeting will be held in Lecture Theatre 2 — BH(S) 4.04 — in Bush House, across the road from the usual Strand location. You will need to register at the Bush House reception to enter.

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Programme

15:15–16:15 — Monica Pate (NYU)
Title: From Asymptotic Symmetries to Infinite Symmetry Algebras in Conformal Field Theory
Abstract: The recent discovery of a known infinite-dimensional algebra, w(1+infinity), among the asymptotic symmetries of four-dimensional asymptotically flat spacetimes has been interpreted as key evidence in support of a bottom-up approach to flat-space (a.k.a. celestial) holography. In particular, since a holographic theory must realize the symmetries of its associated gravitational dual, large universal symmetries in principle impose fairly stringent constraints on a holographic correspondence. Of course, concrete progress relies crucially on the precise strength of the constraints from symmetry. Thus in pursuit of this larger goal, in this seminar, I will present a precise avatar of the universal w(1+infinity) symmetry algebra that persists in the absence of gravity and in particular is realized in generic interacting four-dimensional conformal field theories. The generators of the algebra are light-ray operators formed from null integrals of the stress tensor that generalize the average null energy operator. I will discuss potential implications for conformal field theories in spacetime dimensions greater than two and celestial holography.

16:15–16:45 — Coffee break

16:45–17:45 — Ben Freivogel (University of Amsterdam)
Title: Quantum gravity fluctuations at long distances
Abstract: I will address the question: In what situations are perturbative quantum gravity effects important at distances much longer than the Planck scale? Among other examples, I will calculate the `quantum width' of the black hole horizon.

17:45 — Reception