The topology of the symplectic group enters into many different areas of mathematics. After discussing a couple of "classical" manifestations of this, I will explain a new one, in the theory of L-functions, as well as a purely topological analogue of the statement. I am not going to assume any familiarity with the theory of L-functions for the talk. Joint work with Amina Abdurrahman.
Speaker(s): Akshay Venkatesh (Institute for Advanced Study)