MODNET is an FP6 Marie Curie Research Training Network in Model Theory and its Applications, funded by the European Commission under contract number MRTN-CT-2004-512234 (MODNET). It will run from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2008.

This project is designed to promote training and research in model theory, a part of mathematical logic dealing with abstract structures (models), historically with connections to other areas of mathematics. In the past decade, model theory has reached a new maturity, leading to striking applications to diophantine geometry, analytic geometry and Lie theory, as well as strong interactions with group theory, representation theory of finite-dimensional algebras, and the study of the p-adics. These developments are recent, and necessitate the training of young researchers in both the sophisticated tools of pure  model theory, and in the field where they are likely to be applied.

The training objectives are to:

• Provide complete training for a small number (six) of very high quality PhD  students appointed for 36 months as Early Stage Researchers
• Provide postdoctoral opportunities for appointed Experienced Researchers of proven ability, in order that they may extend their training through transfer of knowledge
• Enrich the training of PhD students and postdocs appointed by the Network through  a wealth of activities (visits, summer schools, workshops, conferences)

The project will stimulate research on a broad range of problems central to model theory and provide a wealth of opportunities for interactions between model theorists and those working in other areas of mathematics and theoretical computer science. The reseach objectives are to produce major advances in the following topics:

1.  Pure model theory
2.  Model theory of fields and applications
3.  o-minimality and applications
4.  Henselian fields
5.  Simple groups of finite Morley rank
6.  Model theory of groups and modules
7.  Decidability issues and links to complexity theory
8.  Finite model theory and links to computer science.

Detailed descriptions of the topics covered by the project can be found here.