RTG: Numbers, Geometry, and Symmetry at Berkeley

University Of California-Berkeley, Berkeley CA

Investigators

Abstract

The project will involve a variety of activities organized around the research groups in number theory, geometry, and representation theory at UC Berkeley. These subjects study the structure and symmetries of mathematical equations, and have applications to (for example) cryptography, codes, signal processing, and physics. There will be an emphasis on training graduate students to contribute to society as scientists, educators, and mentors. More precisely, RTG will be used to organize annual graduate research workshops, with external experts, as well as weekly research seminars to keep up-to-date on cutting-edge developments. Summer programs on Research Experiences of Undergraduates will provide valuable research exposure to undergraduates, and also mentorship training to graduate students. Postdocs will be hired to help lead these activities. Finally, the project will fund outreach to local schools. At the core of all these activities is the goal of training students and postdocs as strong workforce in their dual roles as mentors and mentees, recruiting students into the field, and providing a setting for collaboration between all levels and across different areas. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.