Generalized Symmetries in Quantum Field Theory: High Energy Physics, Condensed Matter, and Quantum Gravity

Coordinators: Maissam Barkeshli, Michele Del Zotto, Sakura Schafer-Nameki, and Shu-Heng Shao

Generalized symmetries have recently emerged as a unifying theme in high energy theory, phenomenology, condensed matter physics, mathematics, and quantum gravity. This field has witnessed a literal explosion of new results within all these different areas. This program will bring together experts from this diverse set of fields, to first consolidate recent progress and more importantly, to find common ground to explore, across disciplines, the exciting physical implications of generalized symmetries. To date, the isolated development has led to several related concepts being developed independently, in different contexts and without much cross-interaction. The program aims to consolidate these divergent approaches and foster interactions between researchers in high energy, condensed matter physics and mathematics, hopefully identifying synergies that drive future joint developments. Due to the truly interdisciplinary character of this subject, this program will convene scientists to discuss 1. Generalized Symmetries: hep-th meets cond-mat 2. Non-Invertible Symmetries 3. Topological Order 4. Generalized Symmetries in String Theory, Holography and Quantum Gravity 5. Phenomenological Applications, and, 6. Mathematics, in particular Higher Category Theory.