B L O C

Bristol Leicester Oxford Colloquium

In the Hopf algebra of noncommutative symmetric functions the set of ribbon Schur functions forms a basis, however, in the Hopf algebra of symmetric functions the commutative image of the ribbon Schur functions only forms a spanning set. This raises the question: what are the relations that arise amongst the commutative ribbon Schur functions? In particular, when are two equal?

In this talk we define an equivalence relation on integer compositions such that two commutative ribbon Schur functions, indexed by compositions, are equal if and only if their indices are equivalent in this sense. As an application we derive identities on certain Littlewood-Richardson coefficients.

This is joint work with Lou Billera and Hugh Thomas and no prior knowledge of any of the above will be needed.

There will be time for informal discussions during the day.

The meeting is supported by an LMS Scheme 3 grant. This is used to help offset travel costs for those from institutions participating in the scheme, with priority given to speakers and postgraduates.

Please let Karin know, preferably by Monday 15th January, if you would like to join for lunch (and of any dietary restrictions). Please also let Karin know if you would like to stay for a meal in the evening or if you need instructions for car parking. See here for a map.

For further information please contact one of the organisers:
Karin Erdmann
Jeremy Rickard
Nicole Snashall

Last modified: 5 January 2007