Simon Wood

I am a Professor of Mathematics at Cardiff University’s Department of Mathematics, where I am a member of the Geometry, Algebra, Mathematical Physics & Topology (GAPT) group.

My research is on the mathematics of symmetry in quantum field theory. I work primarily on two-dimensional conformal field theory, where these symmetries are encoded algebraically by vertex algebras.

I study the representation theory of these algebras and the rich structures carried by their module categories, including fusion, modularity and categorical duality. This brings together ideas from representation theory, tensor categories, Lie theory and mathematical physics. Please see the Research Section for more details.

If you are a student who is interested in doing an undergraduate or PhD project with me, please see the Supervision Section.

Recent activity

• September 2026 — Talk: Vertex algebras and the rich structures enjoyed by their categories of modules, Maynooth, Ireland
• June 2026 — Organised: UKICFT2026: The Annual UK Meeting on Integrable and Conformal Field Theory, Cardiff, UK
• March 2026 — Organised: BMC2026: 77th British Mathematical Colloquium, Cardiff, UK