The goal of this program is the enhancement of research training in geometry and topology of undergradute, graduate students, and postdoctoral instructors at Michigan State University. Activities will begin in earnest in Fall 2005. As part of the program we will be offering special RTG Graduate Traineeships to new graduate students who are interested in working in geometry and topology. See Information for Prospective Students for further information about these special new graduate positions. We will be offering RTG Postdoctoral Instructorships to new or recent Ph.D.’s who specialize in geometry or topology and who show strong promise in research and teaching. These along with a related postdoctoral position are described below. There will also be an undergraduate component of the RTG, and interested MSU undergraduates are encouraged to contact faculty members about participating.

Aspects of the RTG program will include special seminars at the undergraduate, graduate, and research levels as well as an extensive program of visitors. These events will be accessible to all students and faculty, not just RTG participants. The key to the program activities is the atmosphere of collaborative learning that has been fostered by the Geometry/Topology Group. The aim is to create an environment which encourages all involved to become better teachers, better expositors, and better researchers, and encourages those entering mathematics to stay in the field.