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 Book
The full program book is available as a PDF for viewing or download.
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
戴烜中Kyoto University
Ethan Fursman
University of Melbourne
Xu Gao
高煦Tongji University
Jianzhi Han
韩建智Tongji University
Xiangyu Jiao
焦翔宇East China Normal University
Fei Kong
孔非Hunan Normal University
Ching Hung Lam
林正洪Academia Sinica
Haisheng Li
李海生Rutgers University at Camden
Zhengwei Liu
刘正伟Tsinghua University
Siu-Hung Ng
吴少雄Louisiana State University
David Ridout
University of Melbourne
Nils R. Scheithauer
Technische Universität Darmstadt
Bailin Song
宋百林University of Science and Technology of China
Kaiwen Sun
孙凯文University of Science and Technology of China
Haowu Wang
王好武Wuhan University
Yilong Wang
王亦龙Yanqi Lake Beijing Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Applications
Yukun Xiao
肖毓琨Qingdao University
Wenbin Yan
颜文斌Tsinghua University
Kaiming Zhao
赵开明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.
Campus access
Participant badge for campus entry
Before on-site registration, participants may show this general conference badge image to campus gate staff when entering Nankai University. Personal badges will be issued at registration and may be used for campus entry during the conference.
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.
Registration
Registration Closed
Online registration for the conference is now closed. Participants who need to update submitted information should contact the conference secretariat.
Thank you for your interest.
The organizing team is now finalizing participant information, travel details, accommodation, and local arrangements.
For urgent changes to an existing registration, please email RenL@scu.edu.cn, 2024322010028@stu.scu.edu.cn, or xiao_yuxiang@mail.nankai.edu.cn.
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