Recent Developments in Infinite-Dimensional Lie Algebras and Conformal Field Theory

Book excerpt: Because of its many applications to mathematics and mathematical physics, the representation theory of infinite-dimensional Lie and quantized enveloping algebras comprises an important area of current research. This volume includes articles from the proceedings of an international conference, ``Infinite-Dimensional Lie Theory and Conformal Field Theory'', held at the University of Virginia. Many of the contributors to the volume are prominent researchers in the field. Thisconference provided an opportunity for mathematicians and physicists to interact in an active research area of mutual interest. The talks focused on recent developments in the representation theory of affine, quantum affine, and extended affine Lie algebras and Lie superalgebras. They also highlightedapplications to conformal field theory, integrable and disordered systems. Some of the articles are expository and accessible to a broad readership of mathematicians and physicists interested in this area; others are research articles that are appropriate for more advanced readers.