February 22, 2005
V.Manturov
Minimal diagrams of classical and virtual knots

   I will prove several minimality theorem for
large classes of knots, braids, virtual knots,
etc.
   The basic tools are: the Kauffman bracket
(the construction is simple and can be expressed
even to a scholar) and the Khovanov homology
(one of the most outstanding achievements in
modern knot theory).

   No knowledge is needed to understand the
first talk. The second talk (Manturov's seminar, starting 18:05)
will be clear after the first one.

   In the meantime, I will give an introduction
to the virtual knot theory, tell about Khovanov
homology for classical and virtual knots,...

   The second talk should contain more newest results
in this field than the first one. Also,
several unsolved prblems will be stated.
Everyone is welcome!