Instantons on manifolds of exceptional holonomy

Instantons are connections on vector bundles over Riemannian manifolds that minimise a natural functional (the Yang-Mills functional). They were first studied by theoretical physicists in the context of gauge theories that form part of the standard model, but soon attracted the interest of differential geometers, leading to spectacular insights into four-manifold topology, amongst other developments. The goal of this project is to study instantons on manifolds with exceptional holonomy -- more precisely, Riemannian manifolds of dimension seven or eight with holonomy contained in G2 or Spin(7). This area of research is motivated by efforts to extend successful work with four-manifolds, and by problems arising in string theory and other areas of mathematical physics. Possible directions include constructing examples (using techniques from analysis, group theory or elsewhere) and studying the moduli spaces of instantons.

<p>The earliest start date for this project is 1 October 2020.</p>

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.leeds.ac.uk/rsa/prospective_students/apply/I_want_to_apply.html">University&#39;s website</a>. Please state clearly in the research information section&nbsp;that the research degree you wish to be considered for is Instantons on Manifolds of Exceptional Holonomy as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/4034/dr-derek-harland">Derek Harland</a> as your proposed supervisor.</p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University&#39;s minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, but UK black and minority ethnic (BME) researchers are currently under-represented in our Postgraduate Research community, and we would therefore particularly encourage applications from UK BME candidates. All scholarships will be awarded on the basis of merit.</em></p>

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.

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.

<p>Self-Funding Students</p> <p>Funding Eligibility</p> <p>UK/EU &ndash; Leeds Doctoral Scholarship Award paying Academic Fees of &pound;4,600 for Session 2020/21 and Maintenance matching EPSRC rate (currently &pound;15,009 in Session 2019/20) per year for 3 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Funding is awarded on a competitive basis.</p> <p><br /> UK/EU &ndash; School of Mathematics&nbsp;Scholarship Award paying Academic Fees at Home/EU fee rate* of &pound;4,600 in Session 2020/21&nbsp;and Maintenance matching EPSRC rates (currently &pound;15,009 in Session 2019/20) per year for 3 years.&nbsp;&nbsp;Funding is awarded on a competitive basis.</p> <p><br /> UK/EU &ndash; Engineering &amp; Physical Sciences Research Council Studentships paying academic fees of &pound;4,600 for Session 2020/21, together with a maintenance grant (currently &pound;15,009 in Session 2019/20) paid at standard Research Council rates for 3.5 years. UK applicants will be eligible for a full award paying tuition fees and maintenance. European Union applicants will be eligible for an award paying tuition fees only, except in exceptional circumstances, or where residency has been established for more than 3 years prior to the start of the course. Funding is awarded on a competitive basis</p>

<p>For further information regarding your application, please contact Doctoral College Admissions&nbsp;by email: <a href="mailto:maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk">maps.pgr.admissions@leeds.ac.uk</a>, or by telephone: +44 (0)113 343 5057.</p> <p>For further information regarding the project, please contact Dr Derek Harland: <a href="mailto:d.g.harland@leeds.ac.uk">d.g.harland@leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p>