The Theory of Periodic Tangles & Their Interdisciplinary Applications

The mathematical characterization of entanglement holds immense potential for describing the mechanical functions of diverse physical systems and materials. A universal interdisciplinary study, involving scientists, engineers, and artists promises both advance of the field itself and significant contribution to the research and design of innovative solutions for textiles, medical devices, polymers, molecular chemistry, or construction materials among others. The program seeks an alternative to the trial–and–error approach, bringing together academia and industry to seek new sustainable solutions and inspiration, contributing to society. It will consist not only of scientific exchanges but will promote cultural impact by organizing exhibitions or hands–on workshops. Additionally, it will encourage several discussions by providing networking opportunities and utilizing the unique venue of House of Creativity at Tohoku University.

This workshop will gather researchers from various disciplines and include invited lectures, a poster session, roundtable discussions, and brainstorming activities. Our focus will be on exploring the connections between knot theory and its applications in areas such as polymers and soft matter, textile mechanics, graphic design, and more.

This event includes a joint symposium between the WPI–AIMR (Tohoku University) and WPI–SKCM2 (Hiroshima University) on Friday, August 1st, 2025: INTERWOVEN: A WPI–AIMR & WPI–SKCM2 Symposium, Towards a Universal Topological Model of Entangled Structures for Sustainable Metamaterials

Please fill in the registration form by June 16th 2025.

Confirmed speakers (alphabetical order):

Jörn Dunkel (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
Yuanyuan Guo (Tohoku University)
Tatsuki Hayama (Keio University)
Louis H. Kauffman (University of Illinois at Chicago)
Yuka Kotorii (Hiroshima University)
Sofia Lambropoulou (National Technical University of Athens)
Eleni Panagiotou (Arizona State University)
Pedro M. Reis (École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne)
Takahiro Sakaue (Aoyama Gakuin University)
Vanessa Sanchez (Rice University)
Henry Segerman (Oklahoma State University)
Koya Shimokawa (Ochanomizu University)
Hiroshi Suito (Tohoku University)
Ryuichi Tarumi (Osaka University)
Hirofumi Wada (Ritsumeikan University)

Please refer to the workshop website via the relevant link for more details.
We are looking forward to your participation and to welcoming you to Sendai!