Correlated electron systems is a rapidly developing subject, driven both by high-resolution and novel measurement techniques and remarkable recent theoretical developments. The 2014 Gordon Research Conference on Correlated Electron Systems: Textures, Topology, and Strong Interactions, June 22-27, 2014 at Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA consists of a broad swath of emerging ideas such as novel spatial textures, such as nematic textures in the iron-based superconductors, magnetic skyrmions in metallic magnets, the control of non-equilibrium behavior in correlated superconductors and topological insulators, the exploration of the limits of electric transport in correlated systems, the role of spin-orbit interactions in such systems, and the ever increasing impact of topological protection. It is very likely that new technologies will emerge from these ideas that will lay the foundation for the next generation of electronic devices. This award will support student and postdoc participation at this Gordon Research Conference. Supported participants will have the opportunity to participate in the associated Gordon Research Seminar Correlated Electrons In Extremo: Frustration, Topology, and Ultrafast Dynamics, June 21-22, 2014 at the same location.
The Gordon Research Conference on Correlated Electron Systems was held at Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA from June 22-27, 2014. The Conference was well-attended with 156 participants (attendees list attached). The attendees represented the spectrum of endeavor in this field coming from academia, industry, and government laboratories, both U.S. and foreign scientists, senior researchers, young investigators, and students. Of the 156 attendees, 56 voluntarily responded to a general inquiry regarding ethnicity which appears on our registration forms. Of the 56 respondents, 22% were Minorities – 2% Hispanic, 18% Asian and 2% African American. Approximately 13% of the participants at the 2014 meeting were women. In designing the formal speakers program, emphasis was placed on current unpublished research and discussion of the future target areas in this field. There was a conscious effort to stimulate lively discussion about the key issues in the field today. Time for formal presentations was limited in the interest of group discussions. In order that more scientists could communicate their most recent results, poster presentation time was scheduled. Attached is a copy of the formal schedule and speaker program and the poster program. In addition to these formal interactions, "free time" was scheduled to allow informal discussions. Such discussions are fostering new collaborations and joint efforts in the field.