Sakura Schafer-Nameki

Professor Sakura Schafer-Nameki is a Professor of Mathematical Physics at the University of Oxford's Mathematical Institute and a Senior Research Fellow at Wadham College. Her research bridges theoretical physics and advanced mathematics, focusing on quantum field theory and string theory with significant contributions to symmetry frameworks.

Education

• PhD from the University of Cambridge (Cantab)

Research Focus

Her work centers on Generalized Symmetries in Quantum Field Theory, Topological Phases of Matter, and Geometric Structures in String Theory. She pioneers applications of non-invertible symmetries to gapless phases and duality defects, employing higher category theory to resolve quantum gravity puzzles. Her research demonstrates how geometric singularities in Calabi-Yau manifolds generate novel quantum field theories.

Publication Trends

Recent publications (2025) reveal a concentrated effort on non-invertible symmetry applications across dimensions (2+1)d to (5d), with recurring themes in gapless SPTs, Haagerup symmetry constructions, and T-brane geometric engineering. The 'club sandwich' model and fusion 3-category frameworks represent breakthroughs in classifying phase transitions beyond Landau-Ginzburg paradigms.

Scientific Recognition

• EPSRC Open Fellowship (awarded January 2023)

Research Leadership

She directs major funded projects including an ERC Advanced Grant (September 2023), previously led an ERC Consolidator Grant (2016-2021), and contributes to the Simons Collaboration on Special Holonomy. As organizer of the 2025 KITP Program on Generalized Symmetries and Symmetries 2024 conference, she shapes global research agendas in quantum field theory.

Research Ecosystem

Her Oxford-based research group collaborates through the ERC Consolidator Grant team framework (2016-2021) and the ongoing Simons Collaboration, maintaining active seminar series (QFT and Geometry, Symmetry Seminars) that connect condensed matter physicists with string theorists.