Low-dimensional topology and the Yang–Baxter equation (topYB)

International Joint Research Group (IJRG)

Chair: VUB • Co-chair: University of Leeds

Research

topYB connects algebra, topology, and computation around discrete Yang–Baxter-type structures and their applications in low-dimensional topology and related areas.

Research themes

Discrete / set-theoretic Yang–Baxter equation

We study discrete versions of the Yang–Baxter equation, their classifications, and the algebraic structures that arise from solutions.

Low-dimensional topology & invariants

We connect Yang–Baxter-type structures to knot theory and related low-dimensional topological constructions.

Hopf–Galois structures & algebra

We explore interactions with Hopf–Galois theory and related algebraic frameworks that encode symmetry and factorisation.

Topological Quantum Field Theory (TQFT)

We investigate links to quantum/topological field theories and the algebraic input needed to build and compare TQFT-style invariants.

Computational & constraint programming methods

We develop computational pipelines—especially constraint programming—to construct and search for solutions with prescribed properties.

Active projects

We maintain a rolling list of active projects, visits, and student topics. Details will be added here as they are confirmed.