April 20 2026
Title: Polynomial convexity and function algebras I
Speaker: Erlend Fornæss Wold
Abstract: There is a conjecture that for any compact smooth manifold X (real) of
dimension n, there exist n smooth functions f_1,...,f_{n+1} such that the algebra
[f_1,...,f_{n+1}] generates the algebra of all continuous functions on X. We will present
a short introduction to the problem, and indicate how the problem relates to problems
about polynomial convexity in Several Complex Variables, as well as transversality
problems in real differential geometry.
The talk is on “Work in progress” of Arosio/Samuelsson-Kalm/Wold, as well as some
historical comments on progress up until now.