Complex Matter Science at CAS

Using "complexity" as a modern term in science means to accept that nature is rarely governed by simple linear relations, but instead shows features that originate from inherent non-linearities; a world that evolves and adapts dynamically, and often drive n far away from simple equilibrium. Our project on basic research in Complex Matter Science has already won the competition at Centre for Advanced Study (CAS) in their 3-stage selection of groups that will work there during 2011/2012. Our CAS group is b ased on the existing national research network, COMPLEX, with physics staff at the University of Oslo, the Institute for Energy Technology, and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and we will at CAS join forces with international superstar s in our research field. With our high ambitions for this unique opportunity, the funding from CAS is not sufficient. Therefore, this application asks for additional support to maximize the knowldge transfer and research output for the benefit of norwegia n physics on both short and long terms. This is also to follow up on the recent national evaluation of physics, where the report concludes in a section devoted to the Complex National Network (p.43,35) that "The scientific quality and productivity of the network is excellent", and strategies for COMPLEX to constitute a "Network of Excellence" are considered. The establishment and appropriate support of the international group at CAS is a crucial step in this direction.