The central topic of the school is the mutual interaction of algebra, combinatorics and geometry. Objects of research in algebraic geometry are affine as well as projective varieties and their associated invariants which can be studied using methods from algebra and combinatorics. Toric and tropical varieties are instances where such kind of approaches were and still are very successful. In discrete geometry cones, graphs, hyperplane arrangements and matroids are examples of research subjects which naturally play prominent roles in algebra and discrete mathematics.
