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Integrability, polynomials and partitions

PGR-P-2420

Key facts

Type of research degree
PhD
Application deadline
Ongoing deadline
Project start date
Thursday 1 October 2026
Country eligibility
International (open to all nationalities, including the UK)
Funding
Competition funded
Source of funding
University of Leeds
Supervisors
Professor Clare Dunning
Schools
School of Mathematics
Research groups/institutes
Algebra, geometry and integrable systems, Applied Mathematics
<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Summary</h2>

Integrable systems covers a broad area of mathematical problems that can be solved exactly in some sense.   An early example includes the Kepler problem describing planetary motion, solved by Newton despite the differential equations being nonlinear.  Such problems would typically have a number of conserved quantities and corresponding symmetries.  More recent examples in classical integrable systems includes the Korteweg-de Vries equation describing shallow water waves, which has soliton solutions, and in quantum integrable systems the XXZ spin chain, which is a quantum model of interacting spins in one dimension. <br /> <br /> Wronskian polynomials such as the Wronskian of a finite  set of Hermite polynomials have been studied in recent years in classical and quantum integrable settings.  Curiously if we use a partition of an integer to label the set of Hermite polynomials in the Wronskian, then some properties of the polynomials can be described in terms of properties of the chosen partition.  Specifically, the coefficients of Wronskian Hermite polynomials depend on the hook lengths of the partition and those of the partitions in the Young lattice found by removing 2-hooks in all possible ways.<br /> <br /> This project seeks to understand some of several open problems that have arisen especially those related to Wronskian polynomials that arise in the Painleve hierarchy generalising the six Painleve equations.

<h2 class="heading hide-accessible">Full description</h2>

<p><meta charset="UTF-8"></p> <p><strong>Bibliography</strong><br /> <br /> The ODE/IM Correspondence,Patrick Dorey, Clare Dunning and Roberto Tateo,<br /> Encyclopedia of Mathematical Physics 2nd edition. Editors-in-Chief: Richard Szabo, Martin Bojowald. (2025)<br /> Pages 145-161<br /> <br /> Harmonic locus and Calogero-Moser spaces, Giovanni Felder, Alexander P. Veselov, arXiv:2404.18471</p> <p><br /> Rational Solutions of the Fifth Painleveé Equation. Generalised Laguerre Polynomials, Peter A. Clarkson, Clare Dunning, Stud. Appl. Math, 152 (2024) 453-507<br /> <br /> Counting monster potentials. R Conti, J High Energy Physics, JHEP02 (2021), 059. </p> <p>Coefficients of Wronskian Hermite polynomials, Niels Bonneux, Clare Dunning, Marco Stevens, Studies in Applied Mathematics 144 (2020)<br /> <br /> Durfee rectangles and pseudo-Wronskian equivalences for Hermite polynomials, David Gomez-Ullate, Yves Grandati, Robert Milson, Stud. Appl. Math, 141 (2018) 596-625<br /> <br /> Studying for a PhD is different to studying for a BSc, MMath or MSc. It requires curiosity, tenaciousness, creativity, ability to collaborate and to work independently, resilience and to be self-motivated.  Every doctoral candidate is different and there isn’t a typical maths PhD student.<br /> <br /> You will develop your skills throughout your study through a tailored development programme that prepares you for your PhD and a career afterwards, whether that is in research or otherwise.   You will also have the opportunity to take advanced technical courses, attend conferences and meet other researchers and present your research.  You will be part of a large community of researchers in the School of Mathematics with several relevant seminar programmes as well as being part of an international research community.<br /> <br /> <br />  </p>

<h2 class="heading">How to apply</h2>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>PhD Applied Mathematics FT,</strong></em> in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Integrability, polynomials and partitions </strong></em>as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/staff/16704/professor-clare-dunning">Professor Claire Dunning</a> as your proposed supervisor and in the finance section, please state clearly <em><strong>the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored</strong></em>.</p> <p>Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p><strong>If you are applying for University or School Scholarships for 2026/27 entry, with external sponsorship or you are funding your own study, please ensure you provide your supporting documents at the point you submit your application:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date including the grading scheme</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p>

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">Entry requirements</h2>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

<h2 class="heading heading--sm">English language requirements</h2>

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<h2 class="heading">Funding on offer</h2>

<p><meta charset="UTF-8" /></p> <p><strong>Self-Funded or externally sponsored students are welcome to apply.</strong></p> <p><strong>Scholarship opportunities open from October 2025</strong></p> <p><strong>UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2024">Leeds Doctoral Scholarship</a> (closing date: Wednesday 1 April 2026) and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> (closing date: Wednesday 1 April 2026) are available to UK applicants.  <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Non-UK</strong> – The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China <strong>(Now closed for October 2026 entry).</strong> The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p>Please note that if you are successful in securing an academic offer for PhD study, this does not mean that you have been successful in securing an offer of funding.</p> <p>If you are applying for the Leeds Doctoral Scholarship, Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship, China Scholarship Council-University of Leeds Scholarship or Leeds Marshall Scholarship, you will need to complete a separate application, specific to these scholarships, to be considered for funding.</p> <p>You will be responsible for paying the overtime fee in full in your writing up/overtime year (£340 in Session 2025/26), but the scholarship maintenance allowance will continue to be paid for up to 6 months in the final year of award.</p> <p><strong>Important: </strong>Please note that that the award does <em><strong>not</strong></em> cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<h2 class="heading">Contact details</h2>

<p>For further information about this project, please contact Professor Clare Dunning by email to <a href="mailto:t.c.dunning@leeds.ac.uk">t.c.dunning@leeds.ac.uk</a> or by calling +44 (0)113 343 7257.</p> <p>For further information about your application, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a></p>


<h3 class="heading heading--sm">Linked research areas</h3>