This RTG proposal is focused on training in low-dimensional topology and its applications. The study of low-dimensional manifolds has become one of the central areas of research activity in mathematics. The subject interacts with several other branches of mathematics as well as the applied sciences. It therefore provides fertile ground for research, education and training experiences at all levels.

Although one of the main features of the proposal is to build, and elevate, the successful structure currently in place, an important new component of our proposal is training for interdisciplinary research. This will afford postdocs, graduate and undergraduate students educational and training experiences different from the traditional ones available at present.