Group actions on positively curved manifolds
Dr. Krishnan Shankar
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, U.S.A.
04-07-02

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Abstract

A general problem in Riemannian geometry is to find and describe manifolds that admit a metric of positive sectional curvature. Given that there are few known obstructions to positive curvature, it is frustrating that the set of known examples, although infinite, is relatively small. In this talk, we will survey what is known about positively curved manifolds from the point of view of group actions. I will present some known results and also state some interesting open problems in the field. A background in Riemannian geometry, Lie groups and basic topology will be helpful in understanding the talk.