LIST OF SCIENTIFIC PROGRAMS

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2012

Origin of Mass 2012

Program

28 May — 22 June 2012

Coordinators: Paolo Di Vecchia, Sten Hellman, Francesco Sannino, Kimmo Tuominen, Chris Kouvaris, Claudio Pica

Timetable

 

Topological States of Matter: Insulators, Superconductors, and Quantum Hall Liquids

Program

30 July — 25 August 2012

Coordinators: Eddy Ardonne, Annica Black-Schaffer, Hans Hansson

 

Spin-Related Phenomena in Mesoscopic Transport

Program

3—28 September 2012

Coordinators: Ivan Shelykh, Karl-Fredrik Berggren, Olle Eriksson, Michael Pepper

 

The Holographic Way: String Theory, Gauge Theory and Black Holes

Program

1—26 October 2012

Coordinators: Troels Harmark, Niels Obers, Marta Orselli, Donovan Young

 

Perspectives of Fundamental Cosmology

Program

5—30 November 2012

Coordinators: Sabine Hossenfelder, Kristina Giesel, Mairi Sakellariadou, Martin Bojowald

Current cosmology provides a fascinating mix of a wealth of new observational data with deep conceptual problems still to be addressed. Several approaches in the general context of quantum gravity aim at a fundamental description of the relevant stages in the history of the universe, but none of them appears to be fully convincing and comparisons between different directions are difficult to draw. This workshop brings together a large set of experts, from both fundamental and phenomenological theory, in order to provide a snapshot of the current status and to focus future activities.

2013

Pushing the Boundaries with Cold Atoms

Program

21 January — 15 February 2013

Coordinators: Jonas Larson, Emil Lundh, Jani-Petri Martikainen, Chris Pethick, Pivi Trm

 

Differential Rotation and Magnetism across the HR Diagram

Program

8 April — 3 May 2013

Coordinators: Maarit Mantere, Petri Kpyl, Rainer Arlt

 

Stability and Transition

Program

6—31 May 2013

Coordinators: Ardeshir Hanifi, Dan Henningson, Luca Brandt, Jens N. Srensen, Rama Govindarajan, Shervin Bagheri

 

Photo-Evaporation in Astrophysical Systems

Program

3—28 June 2013

Coordinators: Garrelt Mellema, Barbara Ercolano, Andreas Burkert

 

2014

What is the Dark Matter?

Program

5—30 May 2014

Coordinators: Jan Conrad, Joakim Edsj, Lars Bergstrm

 

Past Events

2012

Biology and Physics of Information Processing

Program

16 April — 11 May 2012

Coordinators: John Hertz, Peter Latham, Yasser Roudi

Timetable

 

Dynamics of Biomolecular Processes: From Atomistic Representations to Coarse-Grained Models

Program

27 February — 23 March 2012

Coordinators: Hans Behringer, Stefan Wallin, Ralf Eichhorn

Timetable

This program focuses on the different methods for modeling the dynamics of biomolecular systems, ranging from force-field based all-atom representation of individual biomolecules to coarse-grained models for multi-component systems. In particular, the link between these 'complementary' modelling approaches, which cover distinct length and time scales, is of central interest.

Exact Results in Gauge-String Dualities

Program

23 January — 17 February 2012

Coordinators: Lisa Freyhult, Vladimir Kazakov, Charlotte Kristjansen, Joseph Minahan, Konstantin Zarembo

Timetable

There has been remarkable progress in understanding non-perturbative dynamics of gauge fields and their relationship to string theory in recent years. Many important developments have been made by using methods of exactly solvable systems. The topics will include (i) exact results in the AdS/CFT correspondence (ii) scattering amplitudes (iii) supersymmetric gauge theories (iv) Bethe ansatz and exact solvability in quantum field theory

2011

Geometry of Strings and Fields

Program

1 November — 3 December 2011

Coordinators: Ulf Lindstrm, Maxim Zabzine

Timetable

The 4-week program will be devoted to geometrical subjects motivated by string theory, and to recent developments in string theory and related physical fields (quantum field theory) which are of strong geometrical interest. While the program will cover all areas of interaction between string theory and geometry, to provide additional focus we will emphasize particular subareas such as: the application of supersymmetry in differential geometry, generalized geometry, vertex algebras, topological field theories.

Foundations and Applications of Non-Equilibrium Statistical Mechanics

Program

19 September — 14 October 2011

Coordinators: Ralf Eichhorn, Alberto Imparato, Hans Fogedby, Carlos Meja-Monasterio

Timetable

The program is centered around modern developments in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics both with respect to fundamental aspects (fluctuation theorems, entropy production, fluctuation-dissipation theorems) as well as applications (noise-induced phenomena, biophysical problems).

Studying Quantum Mechanics in the Time Domain

Program

22 August — 16 September 2011

Coordinators: Jan Petter Hansen, Eva Lindroth, Esa Rsnen

Timetable

Thanks to novel light sources, ultrafast atomic and solid-state processes in the femto- and attosecond time scale can be monitored in real time.

Dynamo, Dynamical Systems and Topology

Program

25 July — 19 August 2011

Coordinators: Henrik Lundstedt, Alexander Kosovichev, Axel Brandenburg

Timetable

Understanding the origin of solar and stellar magnetic field is one of the central problems of physics and astrophysics, and a key to understanding the cosmic magnetism, in general.

String Phenomenology

Program

30 May — 25 June 2011

Coordinators: Marcus Berg, Paolo Di Vecchia, Gabriele Ferretti

Timetable

The program will try to cover what string theory has to say about physics beyond the Standard Models of both particle physics and cosmology. Topics may include but are not limited to: string effective actions, string instantons, stringy supersymmetry breaking, intersecting D-branes, generalized flux compactifications, inflation in string theory, string-inspired MSSM-like models and dark matter in those models.

Predictability + School on Data Assimilation

Program

26 April — 27 May 2011

Coordinators: Axel Brandenburg, Erik Lindborg, Jonas Nycander, Allan Sacha Brun, Jenny Brandefelt, Geert Brethouwer

Timetable

Predicting the unpredictable is a challenge that is common to various physical systems whose dynamics is governed by the equations of fluid dynamics. The oldest example is weather prediction. Other examples include climate prediction, space weather forecast, and solar cycle forecast. The mathematics developed for these applications is extremely interesting and deserves more detailed understanding, so that these techniques can be used also in other areas where the application of this technique is less well developed.

Applications of Network Theory: From Mechanisms to Large-Scale Structure

Program

28 March — 20 April 2011

Coordinators: Petter Holme, Petter Minnhagen

Timetable

The main idea is to convene key world-class researchers on complex networks and let them interact freely with the Nordic groups interested in the area. The program will be divided into four thematic areas: biological networks, general network theory, technological networks, and social networks. Many of the intended participants are interested in several of these points.
A more intense, 3-day workshop will be arranged during the middle of the program.

The Return of de Sitter

Program

28 February — 18 March 2011

Coordinators: Ariel Goobar, Fawad Hassan, Stefan Hofmann

Timetable

Research topics to be covered include: cosmological probes of dark energy, induced gravity on higher codimension surfaces and defects, K–essence, alternatives to the cosmological constant, technical naturalness as a qualified guide to new physics, vacuum structure, and stringy perspectives.

2010

The Influence of Confinement on Phase Transitions (Part 2)

Program

12—17 December 2010

Timetable

The impressively successful classical theories on phase transitions are based on the thermodynamic limit, which implies infinitely large or small extension on all the systems that are considered. These theories fail, however, to address many important aspects, as finiteness in extension is apparent in most physical systems. The question is of highly generic nature and has significance within condensed matter physics, chemistry as well as biology.
This program will run in two installments: 15 February-1 March and 12-17 December 2010.

Random Geometry and Applications

Program

1 November — 10 December 2010

Coordinators: Bergfinnur Durhuus, Zdzislaw Burda

Timetable

The concept of Random Geometry covers a variety of techniques and methods. These include the physics of interfaces in statistical mechanical systems, polymer and membrane physics, the theory of propagating strings relevant in high energy physics, the functional integral approach to quantum gravity, the description of gene regulatory networks as well as of computer networks and their use in the design of algorithms, and also random graphs and random maps with important applications in physics, combinatorics and probability theory.
Two workshops, 1-2 November and 6-7 December, and a mini-conference, 22-23 November, are planned during the program period.

Quantum Information

Program

27 September — 29 October 2010

Coordinators: Ingemar Bengtsson, Gunnar Bjrk, Mohamed Bourennane

Timetable

The interdisciplinary field of quantum information processing and communication connects at its deepest level quantum mechanics, photonics, solid state physics, atomic physics, and electronics with computer science and information theory in order to gain features in cryptography, communication, and computing that are impossible to achieve using classical methods. Quantum information science has also revitalized the discussions about the foundations of quantum theory. This field has grown explosively and is now one of the hottest subfields of both computer science and physics.

Quantum Solids, Liquids, and Gases

Program

19 July — 27 August 2010

Coordinators: Egor Babaev, Emil Lundh, Jani-Petri Martikainen, Christopher Pethick, Mats Wallin

Timetable

The program will focus on frontiers in physics of quantum solids, liquids and gases (defined in a broad sense).

Integrability in String and Gauge Theories; AdS/CFT Duality and its Applications

Program

31 May — 9 July 2010

Coordinators: Shiraz Minwalla, Lisa Freyhult, Joseph Minahan, Konstantin Zarembo, Giuseppe Policastro

Timetable

The program has two main themes: Integrability in N=4 gauge theories and AdS/CFT duality and its applications to eg. quark-gluon plasmas, non-relativistic CFTs, hydrodynamics, and condensed matter systems.
An objective of the program is to support interaction between the two main themes. It is anticipated that specialists from each group will be simultaneously present, allowing for the exchange of new ideas between the two groups.
The 2010 conference on Integrability in Gauge and String Theories (IGST2010) will be held at the program site from 28 June to 2 July.

Turbulent Boundary Layers and Turbulent Combustion

Program

6 April — 28 May 2010

Coordinators: Axel Brandenburg, Henrik Alfredsson, Arne Johansson, Nils Erland L. Haugen, Geert Brethouwer, Philipp Schlatter

This program has two related focus areas, each of which culminate in a 2-day conference.
Turbulent boundary layers, appearing on solid surfaces of bodies submerged in fluids and in channel and pipe flows, have been the focus of experimental and analytical investigations for almost a century. Still there are several unresolved issues even related to fairly basic mechanisms.
In turbulent combustion there are also many unresolved problems, such as how a turbulent premixed flame propagates. The importance of basic research in connection with energy production is evident. Simulations are important, because questions regarding the temperature distribution cannot easily be addressed experimentally.

The Influence of Confinement on Phase Transitions (Part 1)

Program

15 February — 1 March 2010

Coordinators: B. Hjrvarsson, O. Eriksson, Anders Rosengren, S T Bramwell

Timetable

The impressively successful classical theories on phase transitions are based on the thermodynamic limit, which implies infinitely large or small extension on all the systems that are considered. These theories fail, however, to address many important aspects, as finiteness in extension is apparent in most physical systems. The question is of highly generic nature and has significance within condensed matter physics, chemistry as well as biology.
This program will run in two installments: 15 February-1 March and 12-17 December 2010.

2009

Multiscale Modeling and Simulation in Science

Program

2—29 November 2009

Coordinators: Hans Ågren, Kenneth Ruud, Aatto Laaksonen, Olof Runborg, Anders Szepessy, Axel Brandenburg

This four-week event joins a school, a scientific program and a conference, where teachers, students and scientists in computational science and engineering will be brought together to present, discuss and solve problems in areas of reserach involving multiple scales.

Solar and Stellar Dynamos and Cycles

Program

26 September — 26 October 2009

Coordinators: Alexander Kosovichev, Maarit Korpi

Timetable

Understanding the origin of solar and stellar magnetic fields is one of the central problems of physics and astrophysics, and a key to understanding the cosmic magnetism, in general. The first two weeks of the programme are dedicated to stellar dynamo theory and observations, and the last two for solar magnetic activity, dynamos and data assimilation methods. The 5th-6th of October there is a special workshop in the honor of the 70th birthday of Professor Ilkka Tuominen.

Neutron Stars - The Crust and Beyond

Program

14—25 September 2009

Coordinators: Lars Samuelsson, Nils Andersson

Timetable

Bringing together experts on neutron star dynamics, condensed matter and nuclear physics, surface layers and the magnetosphere, the key questions taht will be discussed are: What input from microphysics calculations do we need to build realistic theoretical models? What bounds can the dynamical models in conjunction with observations provide on the state of matter at extreme densities? How do we use observations to constrain these parameters? If a neutron star is oscillating, how does information of the oscillations propagate to the observers?

Quantum Hall Physics - Novel Systems and Applications

Program

17 August — 11 September 2009

Coordinators: Eddy Ardonne, Thors Hans Hansson, Anders Karlhede, Susanne Viefers

The aim of this workshop is to bring together a group of theorists with a broad and varied range of competences in numerical techniques, low energy effective theories, conformal field theory and lattice models, but with quantum Hall phenomena as a common interest.

Electroweak Phase Transition

Program

15 June — 31 July 2009

Coordinators: Mark Hindmarsh, Kari Rummukainen, Stephan Huber

Timetable

The exciting prospect of exploring the Higgs sector of the Standard Model and its presumed extensions at the LHC has renewed interest in electroweak baryogenesis and the electroweak phase transition.

Physics of Relativistic Flows

Program

4 May — 13 June 2009

Coordinators: Juri Poutanen, Felix Ryde

Timetable

Relativistic jets are responsible for the huge luminosities seen in active galactic nuclei and gamma-ray bursts and are probably launched from the central black holes in these objects. The details of the jet launching mechanism, its acceleration, mechanisms of the energy dissipation, particle acceleration and the emission remain unknown.

Astroparticle Physics - A Pathfinder to New Physics

Program

30 March — 30 April 2009

Coordinators: Tommy Ohlsson, Joakim Edsj, Steen Hannestad

The research topics to be covered at the program are: neutrino physics, dark matter, cosmology, supersymmetry, dark energy, inflation, extra dimensions, ultra-high energy cosmic rays, supernovae, leptogenesis.
We intend to keep the program rather loose what concerns seminars, thus giving more time for actual research and discussing future research projects among the participants of the program.

Theoretical Assessment and Prediction of the Biological and Environmental Effects of Nanomaterials

Program

6—28 March 2009

Coordinators: Emppu Salonen, Ilpo Vattulainen

Timetable

The environmental and health effects of nanomaterials are of global concern, both in view of assessing the impact of nanomaterials discharged into nature and for a safe and transparent development of nanotechnology, especially in relation to novel applications in biomedicine.
The aim of this scientific program is to establish an international think-tank of researchers excelling in state-of-the-art computational and analytical theoretical methods to assess these and related issues.

2008

Geometrical Aspects of String Theory

Program

15 October — 15 December 2008

Coordinators: Ulf Lindstrm, Maxim Zabzine

Ever since the birth of superstring theory, interaction with geometry has been one of the primary driving forces that has led to progress. On one hand, string theory has generated many new geometrical concepts; and on the other hand new ideas from geometry have often found their first applications in string theory.
Within the program there will be the "Geometrical Aspects of String Theory" workshop and "The 22nd Nordic Network Meeting on Strings, Fields and Branes"

TeV Scale Physics and Dark Matter

Program

1 June — 31 July 2008

Coordinators: Katri Huitu, Per Osland

Timetable

The Standard Model of Elementary Particle Physics suffers from a number of inconsistencies and requires extreme fine-tuning of parameters in some areas. This has led to the widespread belief that the Standard Model is the low-energy effective theory of some more fundamental theory in which all, or most, of the difficulties plaguing it are removed. The search for this more fundamental theory is one of the main enterprises of theoretical elementary particle physics.

Physics of Distributed Information Systems (PhysDIS)

Program

5—31 May 2008

Coordinators: Mikko Alava, Erik Aurell

Timetable

Photos of the participants

Statistical physics has recently applied been to understanding, analysis and design of large distributed information systems. These range from decoding algorithms (Belief Propagation) and phase transitions and typical-case hardness in combinatorial optimization problems to content distribution and dynamical phenomena on the Internet, to the modelling of distributed agent systems - Peer-to-Peer networks, auction mechanisms and more. The PhysDIS program aims to survey current trends in this exciting area, and foster new research into untapped directions.

Turbulence and Dynamos

Program

17 March — 11 April 2008

Coordinators: Anvar Shukurov, Maarit Korpi, Kandaswamy Subramanian

Timetable

Photos of the participants

The origin of astrophysical magnetic fields remains controversial. The intense progress in nonlinear and turbulent dynamo theory of the last ten years has prepared ground for imminent fundamental progress in this area. The programme will bring together experts in various relevant areas in order to (1) identify the critical problems to allow further rapid progress, (2) focus the effort on the most fruitful areas of research and (3) establish new collaborations, especially those between theoreticians and observers, that might ensure such a progress.

Origins of Homochirality

Program

1—29 February 2008

Coordinators: Axel Brandenburg, Raphal Plasson, Anja C. Andersen

Timetable

Photos of the participants

Homochirality is a unique property of living matter, and a property that gradually disappears after death. The origin of homochirality is therefore closely linked to the origin of life, which makes this topic a prominent research field in astrobiology.

2007

Quantum Fluids

Program

15 August — 30 September 2007

Coordinators: Egor Babaev, Anders Karlhede, Hans Thors Hansson, Susanne Viefers, Frank Wilczek, Mats Wallin

Focus of the program: quantum fluids, Bose-Einstein condensates, supersolids, quantum hall systems, exotic states such as projected quantum fluid states of metallic hydrogen, topological defects and vortex matter in quantum fluids.

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Phone: +46 8 5537 8444, Fax: +46 8 5537 8404, E-mail: info nordita.org

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11 Feb 2012