Spaces with symmetry: orbifolds and equivariant homotopy

Abstract: The theory of orbifolds and that of equivariant homotopy both try to understand spaces which have symmetry, and both fields often wind up describing the same phenomena. Traditionally, however, the definitions and viewpoints of the two approaches have been quite different. I will try to describe a little bit of how each views the subject, and talk about making a closer connection between them, allowing results from equivariant homotopy to be applied to orbifolds. This is joint work with Dorette Pronk from Dalhousie.

Refreshments will be served at 2:45 p.m. in the Faculty Lounge, Math Annex (Room 1115).