Center for Correlated Electron Systems (CCES) - Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Korea
Paradigm Change: The Search for New Physics in Correlated Electron Systems
Strongly correlated electron systems cannot be understood by looking at the properties of individual particles. In fact, new properties emerge at each level of complexity - from high temperature superconductivity, to ferromagnetism, to ferroelectricity. If we make ultrathin films or heterostructures of such systems, even more exotic phases can emerge.
The Center for Correlated Electrons Systems (CCES), one of Korea’s Institute for Basic Science (IBS) centers, is focused on understanding novel ground states and emergent phenomena in these systems. Through fabrication of oxide heterostructures and synthesis of new materials, researchers can investigate novel electronic phases and emergent phenomena using state of the electrical and spectroscopic measurements. At the same time, CCES theorists are working hard to predict and understand observed phenomena.
Through this work, CCES is aiming to provide a new paradigm for condensed matter physics. Beyond incremental gains in knowledge, this field has the potential to open up a real revolution in our scientific understanding. But this kind of revolution needs a new generation of ambitious, open-minded young scientists. CCES is working hard to foster the next generation of researchers, providing an outstanding research environment for prospective post-doctoral researchers.
As part of Korea’s Institute for Basic Science, this is the ideal place to make this happen. In the past Korea has been home to some individually excellent research groups - but this has not been applied to the whole scientific community through a national program as in many other advanced countries. By becoming a global hub for correlated electron systems research, attracting some of the world’s top researchers, and providing excellent training opportunities for young scientists from Korea and the rest of the world, the Center for Correlated Electrons Systems has every opportunity to make a fundamental difference to the field.