Modular Representation Theory of Symmetric Groups

We review some recent advances in modular representation theory of symmetric groups and related Hecke algebras. We discuss connections with Khovanov-Lauda-Rouquier algebras and gradings on the blocks of the group algebras $F\Sigma_n$, which these connections reveal; graded categorification and connections with quantum groups and crystal bases; modular branching rules and the Mullineaux map; graded cellular structure and graded Specht modules; cuspidal systems for affine KLR algebras and imaginary Schur-Weyl duality, which connects representation theory of these algebras to the usual Schur algebras of smaller rank.