This is the fourth workshop in the series on Spectral Methods and Their Applications, initially organized by Jie Shen (Purdue University & Xiamen University) and Chuanju Xu (Xiamen University).
There has been increasing growth in the analysis and applications of the spectral (element) methods. The main characteristic of spectral (element) methods is the use of high-order polynomials as basis functions, as compared to low-order piecewise polynomials in a finite element method. The main advantage of the spectral methods lies on the fact that the convergence of numerical solutions is exponential if the exact solution is smooth. 
While the classical spectral methods are limited to simple geometries, the development of the spectral element method allows to take advantages of the geometric flexibility of finite elements and the high accuracy of spectral methods. Undoubtedly the spectral (element) methods have become a major computational tool, especially when highly accurate solutions are needed.
The aim of this series of workshops is to bring together experts working on spectral and high order methods and their applications to exchange recent progress and to promote future research and collaborations. 
Organizing committee: 
- Jie Shen, Purdue University & Xiamen University
- Chuanju Xu, Xiamen University
- Zhijian Rong, Xiamen University
For more information regarding this workshop, please visit the website: 
http://59.77.0.61/~cjxu/Conference/Xiamen13/4thSM&A.html
Contact information:
Dr. Zhijian Rong
Tel:+86-592-2580682
zjrong@xmu.edu.cn
School of Mathematical Sciences
Xiamen University
361005 Xiamen