Pure Mathematics: Cutting edge research in pure mathematics with emphasis on algebra and topology. Our research also ranges over new and exciting potential applications of pure mathematics techniques to real world problems.
The department has a very active research group in pure mathematics and its applications. The following broad research themes are particularly emphasized:
For informal inquiries please contact Professor Levi (Postgraduate Coordinator) or any potential supervisor whose research themes fit with your interests. All formal applications must be done through the Graduate School.
Research in algebra is centred on group theory and related topics. These include representation theory (Gramain, Martin, Turner), Hopf algebras (Meir), algebraic groups and geometric invariant theory (Martin, Meir) and applications of algebra to music (Turner). There are close links with Geometry/Topology (Levi, Libman) and Algebraic Geometry/Mathematical Physics (Gorbunov, Sevastyanov).
Supervisors: Dr Gramain, Professor Martin, Dr Meir, Dr Turner
Research in mathematical physics ranges between discreet models of statistical mechanics and mathematical models for quantum field theories. The main tools we use are from Algebraic Geometry and Topology, Representation theory, and Graph Theory.
Supervisor: Dr Sevastyanov
Research in algebraic topology ranges across a variety of themes. In particular, topological complexity (Grant), homological stability, magnitude homology and string topology (Hepworth), homotopy theory and interactions with group and representation theory (Levi, Libman), and stable homotopy theory, homological algebra and algebraic K-theory (Patchkoria, Hebestreit).
Supervisors: Dr Grant, Dr Hebestreit, Professor Kedra, Professor Levi, Dr Libman, Dr Patchkoria.
The main themes of applied algebraic topology we study are in applications of combinatorial and algebraic topology to neuroscience (Levi), and topological robotics (Grant).
Supervisors: Dr Grant, Professor Levi.
Research in Geometric Topology ranges between geometric group theory and symplectic topology (Kedra), and differential topology and its applications (Grant).
Supervisors: Professor Kedra, Dr Grant
Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipEligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore this Global Scholarship, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
Students with PhD degrees in Mathematics are recruited by universities, research institutes, and a range of industrial and commercial organisations.
