The special year of mathematics at The Centre for Advanced Study (CAS) 2001–02 was a part of the Abel celebration in 2002. The intention was that a broad spectrum of mathematics in Norway should benefit. The title “Non-Commutative Phenomena in Mathematics and Theoretical Physics” includes a large spectrum of Norwegian mathematicians working in non-commutative ring theory, algebraic geometry and operator algebra. Although it might have been beneficial to have people from all three areas together through the whole year, we quickly realized that it would be better and more attractive to foreign visitors to concentrate the activity on three different areas during the year. With these restrictions we feel that the funds were effectively used, in addition the activities attracted other mathematicians with own resources.

The scientific activities took place as is traditional in mathematics: through seminars, workshops, informal discussions and individual work. All the participants have expressed great satisfaction with the excellent working conditions and relaxed atmosphere at the CAS. There was a good mix of mathematical interest and expertise, and fruitful discussions took place on a daily basis.

The participants worked closely together on several topics during the course of the year, and several mathematical developments were reached. Topics include amenablility in quantum groups, wavelet analysis, non-commutative dynamics, derived algebraic geometry and history of the Abel map. The research results will be available in the published and forthcoming articles and books.