Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems

The research at the institute in the field of the physics of complex systems ranges from classical to quantum physics and focuses on three main areas, which correspond to the activities in the three divisions. The division Condensed Matter (R. Moessner) studies the quantum physics of the solid state. The nonlinear dynamics of atoms, molecules and clusters is studied with the help of semiclassical methods in the division Finite Systems (J.-M. Rost). Tools of classical statistical physics are applied to biological systems in the division Biological Physics (F. Jülicher).
One permanent research group, three temporary ones, four junior research groups and one Emmy-Noether group strengthen and interpolate the research in and between the divisions on such topics as new states of quantum matter, complex dynamics in cold gases, stochastic processes in biophysics, nonlinear time series analysis, motor systems, dynamics of biological networks, mesoscopic systems, collective phenomena in solid state and material physics, and nonlinear and relativistic optics.
Each year up to two Advanced Study Groups perform cutting edge research in a topical field of the physics of complex systems, for up to one academic year each.
Additional research support is provided by Distinguished PKS postdoctoral fellows and guest scientists focussing on topics as Bose-Einstein condensation and nonequilibrium statistics.
The institute hosts a large visitors progam with about 60 guest scientist positions (each for up to two years), and a large scale seminar program with about 15 seminars per year. Each seminar lasts about 4 weeks and highlights embedded workshops. The aim is to boost new promising research directions and to provide faster contact of young scientists with the rapidly evolving spectrum of new research topics in the broad field of the physics of complex systems.

An overview of the institute's structure can be found under organization.

All information about the infrastructure can be found under the following links:
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