Logo
EGALITHE

Explicit Geometry, Arithmetic and aLgebra for Information THEory

History

AGC²T is a biennial conference with a rich history rooted in the intersection of mathematics and information theory. Founded in 1987 by Gilles Lachaud and Jacques Wolfmann, the inaugural edition was originally titled AGCT Algebraic Geometry and Coding Theory.
Its primary mission was to expand upon groundbreaking ideas in error-correcting codes, largely pioneered by Russian mathematicians, through the lens of algebraic geometry. In 1991, The scope broadened, leading to a shift in the acronym Arithmetic, Geometry and Coding Theory. Until the early 2000s, the scientific program was delightfully informal; talks were often decided upon arrival by simply asking participants if they wished to present. As the community grew and digital communication became standard, the organizers transitioned to a structured format featuring a pre-established program of plenary sessions and invited talks. In 2015, to reflect the increasing overlap with some cryptographic research, the conference added a "square" to its name, becoming Arithmetic, Geometry, Cryptography and Coding Theory.
To align with CIRM’s multi-edition proposal policy, the conference established a rotating Steering Council. In 2021, one of the Council’s first initiatives was the creation of an official logo. Following several iterations, a draft by David Kohel resulted in the final design:

logo AGCT
where the letter C stands for an elliptic curve, the A for the Adèles, the G for the multiplicative group scheme and the T for the Hecke algebra.

AGC²T is a highly anticipated event known for its vibrant atmosphere. Its popularity often exceeds the 110-seat capacity of the CIRM amphitheater, requiring organizers to make difficult selection choices from a large pool of applicants. Beyond the high-level scientific exchange, the conference is cherished for its unique setting: the welcoming environment of CIRM, breathtaking (and occasionally challenging!) hikes through the Calanques, and festive, long-lasting evenings that foster lifelong professional collaborations and friendships.

Previous editions

We give the lists of all previous editions with the names of the organizers and a link to the Proceedings of the conference. Information about the scientific programmes can be found on this dedicated page at CIRM.