  Many particle physics models of matter admit solutions corresponding to
stable or long-lived topological defects. In the context of standard cosmology
it is then unavoidable that such defects will form during phase transitions in
the very early Universe. Certain types of defects lead to disastrous
consequences for cosmology, others may play a useful role, as possible seeds
for the formation of structure in the Universe, or in mediating baryon number
violating processes. In all cases, topological defects lead to a fruitful
interplay between particle physics and cosmology.
