The first \(L^2\)-Betti number of certain homogeneous spaces, including classifying spaces for variations of Hodge structures (Q1772006)

The main result: Let \(G\) be a semi-simple Lie group all of whose factors are non-compact. Let \(V\) be some compact subgroup of \(G\), and \(K\) be a maximal compact subgroup. The manifold \(M = G/K\) is a symmetric space of non-compact type, which carries an induced symmetric Riemannian metric of non-positive curvature if \(\dim M \geq 3\).