Cluster Algebras and Lie Theory

Abstract.
Cluster algebras, invented in 2001 by Fomin and Zelevinsky, have become a ubiquitous combinatorial device in representation theory, integrable systems, Poisson geometry, Teichmüller theory, etc. After an introduction to the basic definitions and structural properties of cluster algebras, the lectures will present two families of examples occuring in Lie theory : (1) coordinate rings of algebraic varieties arising in the representation theory of semisimple algebraic groups (Graßmannians, flag varieties, Bruhat cells, ...); (2) Grothendieck rings of categories of representations of quantum loop algebras.