Low-dimensional topology, low-dimensional field theory and representation theory

Abstract

Structures in low-dimensional topology and low-dimensional geometry -- often combined with ideas from (quantum) field theory -- can explain and inspire concepts in algebra and in representation theory and their categorified versions. We present a personal view on some of these instances which have appeared within the Research Priority Programme SPP 1388 ``Representation theory''.

12 pages, to appear in the review volume on the Research Priority Programme SPP 1388 "Representation theory''