First Announcement

Workshop on

Algebraic Graph Theory and Mathematical Chemistry

(27-29 April 2007, UTB/TSC, Brownsville)

The Department of Mathematics at the University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB) is organizing a workshop “Algebraic Graph Theory and Mathematical Chemistry” which will take place at the South Padre Island Center of the University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB) from Friday, April 27, to Sunday, April 29, 2007.

 

Organizers:

Mikhail Klin, Harm Pralle, Paul-Hermann Zieschang

 

Invited Speakers:

Prof. Douglas Klein (Texas A&M University Galveston)

Prof. Andrew Woldar (Villanova University)

 

The workshop is supported by the Office of the Dean, College of Science, Mathematics, and Technology of the UTB.

 

The goal of the workshop is to bring together researchers from the two areas to exchange ideas, and to promote mutual acquaintance with used techniques, research methods and significant results. Particular emphasize is on the role of group theory and linear algebra in both algebraic and chemical graph theory.

 

Algebraic graph theory emerged from the investigation of graphs with high symmetry. The name of this branch of mathematics was coined by Norman Biggs in his seminal book (1974). It studies various classes of graphs referred to certain properties of automorphism groups, such as distance-transitive graphs, vertex-transitive graphs, arc-transitive graphs, semi-symmetric graphs, etc. The existence of non-trivial automorphisms typically requires certain numerical regularities leading to notions such as coherent configurations and association schemes.

Tools from linear algebra play an important role. Spectral graph theory as part of algebraic graph theory deals with the spectra of various matrices associated to graphs.

Mathematical modeling in organic chemistry originates from many branches in mathematics. Special emphasis was always given to chemical graph theory. A constitutional formula of an organic compound, or a molecular graph reflects significant physico-chemical information.

Coding and nomenclature, correlation of properties, automated methods in mass spectroscopy, strategy of synthetic approaches, reaction graphs, enumeration of isomers – these keywords provide just a part of the applications of graph theory in chemistry.

 

Following a long tradition of keeping interdisciplinary links between graph theory and chemistry, and taking into account that a significant number of experts in both areas are working at Texas, we are trying to initiate a new wave of hopefully fruitful collaborations. We are thinking of a limited number of speakers. Expository talks particularly related to classical topics in both areas are very welcome.

We expect around 12-15 talks, including lectures by the invited speakers. Graduate students, post-docs, young scientists are particularly encouraged to participate. A poster session might be organized. Every presenter will get about 5 minutes for a short oral presentation of an abstract of the poster.

 

The conference location on South Padre Island will be open from 1 pm on Friday, April 27. We plan to start the first session on Friday at approximately 3 pm. All activities will be finished by Sunday 2 pm (counting time for lunch). There will be a free get together party on Friday evening. On Saturday evening, there will be a workshop dinner. We will try to control its price efficiently. There is no registration fee.

 

The list of confirmed participants (besides the organizers and invited speakers) currently includes:

 

Prof. Alexandru T. Balaban (Texas A&M University at Galveston)

Prof. Kiran B. Chilakamarri (Texas Southern University, Houston)

Prof. Rostislav Grigorchuk (Texas A&M University, College Station)

Prof. Reinhard Pöschel (Technische Universität Dresden, Germany)

Dr. Bangteng Xu (Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond)

 

We are also in negotiation with a number of other potential participants, including eminent names in the area of mathematical chemistry.

 

On a special request, we may provide private free accommodation for two nights. Further information will be sent in next announcements, including travel directions, hints for hotel reservations, schedule and a complete list of participants.

 

Everybody interested in research topics of the workshop is welcome to participate on the above explained conditions. Please contact to any of the organizers.

 

M. Klin (klin@cs.bgu.ac.il)

H. Pralle (h.pralle@tu-bs.de)

P.-H. Zieschang (zieschang@utb.edu)