Abstract: 

Given two distinct points in the plane, there is a unique line passing through them. Generalizing, one can ask how many complex curves of a given genus and degree interpolate a set of points. The theory of Gromov-Witten invariants provides a framework for treating such questions on arbitrary symplectic manifolds by studying intersection theory on the space of curves. The generating function of the invariants satisfies a system of PDEs called Virasoro constraints which answers the questions in great generality. Those PDEs can only be formulated in terms of “descendant invariants”.

Open Gromov-Witten theory is an important variation in which one studies curves satisfying Lagrangian boundary conditions. A particular instance of the open theory is the enumerative geometry of real curves. In this talk, we will describe a construction of descendant invariants in the open setting. 

This is joint work with Jake Solomon. We won't assume any previous knowledge with the notions involved.