A broad program of research in theoretical physics will include work on nonperturbative superstring theory and M- theory, studies of supersymmetric theories of elementary particles, and investigation of inflationary cosmology. Supersymmetric theories, and in particular superstring theory and M-theory, are the leading candidates for a theory of all the fundamental forces, including gravity, and inflationary theory is the best generalization of the standard Big Bang theory describing the structure and the evolution of our Universe. The questions addressed by these investigations are among the most fundamental issues for the future development of physics.
