Dear friends and colleagues, I am pleased to forward the following announcement by, Valentina and Glen Wheeler (Univ. of Wollongong): On the 6th of September, we will be having a one-day mini workshop with four talks given by our international guests that happened to visit at the same time: Professor Piotr Rybka (Warsaw University, Poland) Prof Carsten Harmann (Brandenburgische Technische University Cottbus, Germany). Schedule Mini workshop Wednesday 6th of September: Wollongong campus Room 39C.174 9:30-10:30 Professor Piotr Rybka Title: A story about variational linear growth functionals Abstract: We explain why the linear growth functionals are interesting and we indicate their role in applications (image analysis, crystal growth). We expose their properties. We present a new result on smoothness propagation. 10:30-11:00 Morning tea in the atrium of Building 39 11:00-12:00 Professor Piotr Rybka Title: Berg’s effect revisited Abstract: We talk about an experimental observation, with clear meaning and whose model can be written in terms of the well-known Laplace equation. However, its analysis is not so obvious, due to singularities of the domain. 12:00-14:00 Lunch break The Wollongong campus provides a large variety of lunch options. If you would like to join the speakers for lunch that can be also arranged. Wollongong campus Room 39A.208 (new access grid room) 14:00- 15:00 Professor Carsten Hartmann Title: Variational methods in Monte Carlo simulation Part I: Theory and methods 15:00-15:30 Afternoon tea in the atrium near 39A.208 15:30- 16:30 Professor Carsten Hartmann Title: Variational methods in Monte Carlo simulation Part II: Numerical issues and algorithms Please propagate this to any staff and students that might be interested. Talks are intended for a general audience with bits and pieces for everyone. If you intend on attending please let us know for catering purposes by Monday the 4th of September. Morning and afternoon tea will be provided. If you need any help with directions to the campus, please let us know. If you decide to drive here, please let us know, the parking is quite a problem but we were able to book two spots. We hope to see you here! Best wishes, Valentina and Glen