Recent progress in vertex algebras
New structures, representation-theoretic methods, and current frontiers.
July 12-16, 2026 · Tianjin, China
International Conference on Vertex Algebra, Category Theory and Related Topics
A five-day research meeting hosted by the Chern Institute of Mathematics, Nankai University, bringing together researchers working on vertex algebras, tensor categories, orbifold theory, coset constructions, and related areas.
- Dates
- July 12-16, 2026
- Hotel
- Jiayuan Hotel, Nankai University
About the conference
About the Conference
Vertex operator algebras, introduced by Richard Borcherds in 1986, are now connected with category theory, operator algebras, geometry, topology, group theory, Lie theory, number theory, conformal field theory, and string theory. Recent developments have made the interaction between vertex algebras and modular tensor categories especially prominent.
The conference aims to provide a forum for sharing recent progress, discussing open problems, and encouraging collaboration across vertex algebra and its related fields.
Program
Main Topics
Vertex algebras and tensor categories
Interactions with module tensor categories and categorical structures.
Orbifold and coset constructions
Construction theory, examples, and applications in conformal field theory.
Program
Schedule at a Glance
- Registration and arrival
- Morning and afternoon academic talks
- Morning and afternoon academic talks
- Morning and afternoon academic talks
- Academic talks and departure
Committees
Organizing Committee
Speakers
Invited Speakers
Drazen Adamovic
University of Zagreb
Xuanzhong Dai
Kyoto University
Angela Gibney
University of Pennsylvania
Xiangyu Jiao
East China Normal University
Ching Hung Lam
Academia Sinica
Haisheng Li
Rutgers University
Xingjun Lin
Wuhan University
Zhengwei Liu
Tsinghua University
Qiang Mu
Harbin Normal University
Siu-Hung Ng
Louisiana State University
David Ridout
University of Melbourne
Nils R. Scheithauer
Technische Universität Darmstadt
Bailin Song
University of Science and Technology of China
Yucai Su
Tongji University
Kaiwen Sun
University of Science and Technology of China
Yilong Wang
Yanqi Lake Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications
Wenbin Yan
Tsinghua University
Nina Yu
Xiamen University
Kaiming Zhao
Wilfrid Laurier University
Registration and travel
Arrival information
On-site Registration
Time: 14:00-20:00, July 12, 2026
Place: Jiayuan Hotel, Nankai University
94 Weijin Road, Tianjin, P.R. China
Jiayuan Hotel Tel.: +86 22 2350 6281
Directions
Address: No. 94 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin, P.R. China 300071
Caution: Please choose to enter the school through the west, east, or southwest gate. The south gate is not open. Please cooperate with the teaching-area gate staff when your ID card is checked. Taxis are not allowed to enter the school. More information is available at Contact CIM.
Travel Information
Tianjin is the fourth largest city in China, located 120 km southeast of Beijing, with a metropolitan population of about 9-10 million. Tianjin is one of the commercial and industrial centers in mideast-northeast China. It is also one of the educational centers in China and is home to two of the oldest and best-known universities in China, Nankai University and Tianjin University. In recent years, Tianjin has taken great strides to modernize the city, including its commerce and industries. It is re-emerging as one of China's dynamic and bustling metropolitan cities.
Traffic Information
- For visitors arriving at Tianjin Binhai International Airport, please take metro line 2, bound for Caozhuang Station, to Tianjin Railway Station; then change to metro line 3, bound for Tianjinnan Railway Station, get off at Tianta Station, and walk to Nankai University.
- For visitors arriving at Tianjin Railway Station, please take metro line 3, bound for Tianjinnan Railway Station, to Tianta Station and walk to Nankai University; or take bus No. 8 or No. 832 and get off at Balitai Station, near the north gate of Nankai University; or take bus No. 845 and get off at Shoubiaochang Station, near the southwest gate of Nankai University.
- For visitors arriving at Tianjinnan Railway Station, please take metro line 3, bound for Xiaodian Station, to Tianta Station and walk to Nankai University.
- For visitors arriving at Tianjinxi Railway Station, please take metro line 1, bound for Shuanglin Station, to Yingkoudao Station; then change to metro line 3, bound for Tianjinnan Railway Station, get off at Tianta Station, and walk to Nankai University. You may also take bus No. 859 at the South Square of Tianjinxi Railway Station and get off at Balitai Station, near the north gate of Nankai University.
- You may take metro line 11, bound westward for Water Park Road, to Nankai University Balitai Station, then walk 5-15 minutes to Nankai University.
Online registration
Registration form
Please complete the form below with your contact information, arrival and departure details, and any requests needed for local arrangements.
Form ID: conference-registration-2026
Contact
Conference Secretariat
Li Ren
Sichuan University
RenL@scu.edu.cn
+86 139 0817 5065
Binghui Li
Sichuan University
2024322010028@stu.scu.edu.cn
+86 199 3192 5128
Yuxiang Xiao
Nankai University
xiao_yuxiang@mail.nankai.edu.cn
+86 135 9604 0160