ICM 2026 Invited Section Lecture - Jean Marc Schlenker

ICM 2026 Invited Section Lecture - Jean Marc Schlenker

Formal & Physical Sciences Mathematics PBMathematics
🎙 Jean Marc Schlenker 👥 60K 📅 September 14, 2026 ⏱ 42 min 👁 0 📄 literature review 🧭 2026-09-14
Available in: English (current) Français

Keywords

convex co-compact manifoldsboundary dataSchläfli formulabending laminationsLoewner energy

Summary

This ICM 2026 invited lecture by Jean Marc Schlenker surveys recent progress on volume functions and boundary data of 3-dimensional hyperbolic manifolds, focusing on convex co-compact manifolds and convex domains within them. The talk begins with classical results on convex polyhedra in hyperbolic space, including Alexandrov’s theorem on realizing hyperbolic metrics with cone singularities, and the dual metric parametrization via dihedral angles. The Schläfli formula and its dual are introduced to show how volume and boundary data act as conjugate variables. The lecture then extends to convex co-compact manifolds, exemplified by quasifuchsian manifolds, where boundary data at infinity include conformal structures and holomorphic quadratic differentials. Thurston’s conjectures regarding the parametrization of convex cores via induced metrics and measured bending laminations are discussed, with recent results by Schlenker and Bruno establishing injectivity. The renormalized volume is defined and linked to the Bonahon formula, providing a simpler dual variation formula. Connections are drawn to physics via the AdS/CFT correspondence and to probability theory through the Loewner energy, suggesting a unifying holographic principle. The talk highlights both solved and open questions in the area, emphasizing the interplay between hyperbolic geometry, complex analysis, and theoretical physics.

192 words

Critical Evaluation

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The lecture provides a coherent and elegant narrative connecting classical polyhedral geometry to modern questions in hyperbolic 3-manifolds. The value lies in synthesizing results from different decades and showing how volume and boundary data fit into a Legendre-transform framework, analogous to conjugate variables in physics. The argumentation is solid: theorems are stated precisely, and the logical flow from Alexandrov to Thurston to recent injectivity results is clear. The speaker explicitly identifies open problems, such as the uniqueness of the induced metric on the convex core, while presenting concrete advances, including the 2024 injectivity result with Bruno. The discussion of the renormalized volume and its relation to Bonahon’s formula is particularly illuminating, as it simplifies the variation and reinforces the dual picture. However, the talk assumes substantial background in hyperbolic geometry and Teichmüller theory, and some statements are sketched rather than fully proved, which is appropriate for an invited lecture but may limit accessibility to non-specialists.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The presentation is rigorous and well-founded, citing fundamental contributions by Alexandrov, Thurston, Bonahon, Epstein, Sullivan, and others, without formal bibliographic references in the description. The title precisely matches the content, which thoroughly explores volume functions and boundary data. The speaker clearly distinguishes known theorems from conjectures, and recent results (e.g., the 2024 injectivity) are attributed correctly. The lack of explicit URLs or a reference list is a limitation for independent verification, but the lecture’s structure and the speaker’s expertise lend it high credibility. The description’s mention of connections to physics and probability is fleshed out in the talk, reinforcing the importance of the topic.

274 words

Title / Content Match

The title accurately reflects the lecture's focus on volume functions and boundary data for 3-dimensional hyperbolic manifolds, with detailed discussion throughout.

Quality & Reliability

8/10

Invited lecture at ICM by a leading expert; content is mathematically rigorous and well-structured, but no external sources or references were provided in the description, limiting independent verification.

Key Moments

Contribution & Novelties

This lecture synthesizes recent developments in hyperbolic geometry, particularly the relationship between volume functions and boundary data for convex co-compact manifolds. The central contribution is the presentation of a unified picture where the renormalized volume acts as a Legendre transform between induced metrics and bending laminations, analogous to classical polyhedral dualities. The talk also highlights new connections to theoretical physics (AdS/CFT) and probability theory (Loewner energy), suggesting broader applications. The 2024 injectivity result for the bending lamination map is a notable recent advance presented here.

Pour aller plus loin :

  • AdS/CFT correspondence — The holographic principle that motivates the talk’s viewpoint on boundary data and volume.
  • Loewner energy — A concept from probability theory linked to the renormalized volume of unbounded convex domains.
  • Renormalized volume — The notion introduced in conformally compact Einstein manifolds, discussed in the lecture.

138 words

Radar Profile

The radar profile shows very high scores in quantity of information and technical level, reflecting a dense and advanced mathematical lecture. The quality and reliability scores are also high, but slightly lower due to the absence of external references for verification. The overall balance indicates a content-rich talk aimed at specialists, with less emphasis on accessibility.

Reliability 8/10