Research Interests

Over the past decade, higher categories have proven to be an essential ingredient in studying quantum field theories from a mathematical perspective. Casting QFT in the language of higher category theory naturally and elegantly incorporates many subtle concepts, including generalised symmetries, topological defects, and locality.

My research interests include the Segal–Stolz–Teichner conjecture, the chiral free fermion, higher von Neumann algebras, higher Hilbert spaces, and more generally the higher categorical constructions that capture the structure of the theory of operator algebras.

“In our acquisition of knowledge of the Universe (whether mathematical or otherwise) that which renovates the quest is nothing more nor less than complete innocence. It is in this state of complete innocence that we receive everything from the moment of our birth. Although so often the object of our contempt and of our private fears, it is always in us. It alone can unite humility with boldness so as to allow us to penetrate to the heart of things, or allow things to enter us and take possession of us.” — Alexander Grothendieck, Récoltes et Semailles (1985–86)

Get in Touch

The best way to reach me is by email:

nivedita@perimeterinstitute.ca