# Higher Structures in M-Theory

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the role of higher algebraic and homotopy structures in understanding non-perturbative aspects of M-theory, highlighting their significance in flux fields, dualities, and string field theory.

## Contribution

It introduces the importance of higher structures like $L_
abla$-algebras and generalized cohomology in M-theory, providing an overview of recent developments and contributions.

## Key findings

- Higher structures underpin key aspects of M-theory.
- Derived categories and $L_
abla$-algebras are central to non-perturbative understanding.
- The volume compiles recent advances in higher algebraic structures in string theory.

## Abstract

The key open problem of string theory remains its non-perturbative completion to M-theory. A decisive hint to its inner workings comes from numerous appearances of higher structures in the limits of M-theory that are already understood, such as higher degree flux fields and their dualities, or the higher algebraic structures governing closed string field theory. These are all controlled by the higher homotopy theory of derived categories, generalised cohomology theories, and $L_\infty$-algebras. This is the introductory chapter to the proceedings of the LMS/EPSRC Durham Symposium on Higher Structures in M-Theory. We first review higher structures as well as their motivation in string theory and beyond. Then we list the contributions in this volume, putting them into context.