German-French Graduate College Statistical Physics of Complex Systems in Equilibrium and Non-Equilibrium

The statistical physics of complex systems is a very broad field ranging from the study of quantum phenomena to the conformational behaviour of biomolecules which can only be successfully tackled by employing a variety of different theoretical methods. In this respect, this joint graduate college brings together the expertise in analytical theory from Nancy and the long-standing experience in sophisticated computer simulation studies from Leipzig, promising unique prospects in advanced education of PhD students via research into this important field. Additional input in computational aspects and analytical field-theory methods comes from our associated partners at Coventry University, UK, and the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Lviv, Ukraine. The current research topics include disorder effects on phase transitions (diluted ferromagnets, long-range correlated defects, spin glasses, random graphs and networks), long-range interacting systems, topological excitations, conformational statistics of macromolecules such as polymers and proteins (folding, aggregation, adsorption, confinement effects), active polymeric systems, non-equilibrium relaxation (coarsening and ageing), ice and water models, and quantum phase transitions. The emphasis of the school is on fostering close collaboration between the PhD students in Leipzig and Nancy. To this end, extended visits by students from the two partner universities, a joint seminar programme conducted online, and joint supervision by scientists in Leipzig and Nancy, with final degrees awarded by both universities ("co-tutelle de thèse"), are an integral part of the graduate college. In addition, visits to, and "co-tutelle de thèses" with, the associated Coventry University in England and the Institute for Condensed Matter Physics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Lviv are possible. Binational grants, an EU Marie Curie International Network, and participation in an EU COST action provide an additional excellent background for further collaborations with internationally renowned scientists in, e.g., Armenia, Australia, India, Italy, Poland, Russia, Spain, Turkey, USA. and many other countries. Additional binational support is made possible by the CNRS in France and the DAAD and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Germany.