The emergence of complex collective phenomena in condensed matter defines one of the most interesting challenges in Physics and one of the areas with highest potential for practical applications. Examples of such phenomena are superconductivity, complex magnetic ordering and Kondo-like behavior, which stem from a coupling between the micro- and macroscopic worlds materialized on the mesoscopic scale. The scientific objective of the symposium is to pursue a series of events worldwide to discuss materials were emergent phenomena can be observed. Among the systems that will be debated are complex oxides, superconductors, superconducting/ferromagnetic hybrids, and heavy-fermion, thermoelectrical and multifunctional materials. Since the phenomena are rooted in the nanoscopic scale, we will give particular attention to small-sized systems. In fact, nanoscale materials (such as heterostructured magnetic nanoparticles with e.g., core-shell, dumbbell, or dimer architectures) have raised considerable interest in basic research as well as potential industrial applications due to their broad range of novel and enhanced properties. Notably, one of the major challenges in the synthesis of complex multiphase nanoscale materials is how to design and prepare the chosen structure with desired multi-functionality.
As such, the design, synthesis and characterization of complex advanced materials in bulk and nanostructured form and the current understanding of the emergent complex collective phenomena that govern their physical properties will be the focus of this symposium.