8th Workshop on Algebraic Complexity Theory (WACT 2025)

Organizers: Maxim van den Berg (RUB/UvA), Vladimir Lysikov (RUB), Michael Walter (RUB), Jeroen Zuiddam (UvA)
Date & Time: March 31-April 4, 2025
Venue: Ruhr University Bochum, Lecture Hall HGD 20
Registration: Please register here

Scientific Program

Algebraic Complexity Theory is a vibrant field that has been seeing a tremendous amount of activity in the recent years. Its classical questions have been interwoven with deep questions from algebraic geometry, invariant theory, and representation theory. Researchers study a wide range of interlinked topics: arithmetic circuit lower bounds, algorithmic algebra, algorithmic invariant theory, geometric complexity theory, tensor rank, polynomial identity testing, and polynomial reconstruction, to name a few. The workshop brings together experts from different parts of this rich field to discuss the current state of the art, discover new connections, and set the directions for the future. This year we are particularly hoping to attract researchers across all disciplines that are broadly interested in making new connections between algebra and computation.

Confirmed Speakers

More speakers will be added soon.

Registration and Early-Career Support

To attend the workshop, please register by filling out the Registration Form. Participation in the workshop is free of charge.

  • Early-Career Support: We have limited budget to support early career researchers participating in WACT. To apply, please (1) send an email to Janine Hein with the subject line “WACT 2025 Early Career”, including your CV and a short motivation letter, and (2) arrange for a recommendation letter from an academic supervisor to be sent to the same address with the subject line “WACT 2025 Early Career Recommendation” (this letter should also indicate any other funding available). Please submit all materials by February 9. We hope to notify applicants by February 14.

  • Invitation Letter: If you need an invitation letter or a similar document (e.g., to support your visa application), please send an email to Janine Hein with the title “WACT 2025 Invitation letter” and include all required information.

Previous WACTs

Travel

  • Air travel: Bochum can be conveniently reached by train from major airports including Düsseldorf, Dortmund, Frankfurt, Cologne/Bonn.
  • Train travel: Bochum’s main train station is well-connected, and long-distance (ICE, IC, EC) and regional trains arrive and depart in quick succession. Please see web page of Deutsche Bahn to plan your journey.
  • From Bochum main train station: Follow the “U” signs and take underground line U35 (CampusLinie) in direction Bochum Hustadt, until you arrive at stop Ruhr-Universität. On workdays, the U35 departs every five minutes; it takes about 10 minutes to reach the university.
  • Once you arrive on campus: Please see the campus map below. Once you arrive at building GD, take the stairs or elevator down one level to arrive at lecture hall HGD 20.

See also Google Maps (but don’t trust its pedestrian navigation on campus!).

Accommodation

Please check back soon to find information regarding available accommodation.