Dr. Attila Cangi from Saxony-based CASUS, an institute of the HZDR, presented his work on artificial intelligence (AI) and materials science at Lower Silesia-based University of Wrocław in January 2023. CASUS and its partners are establishing more and more cross-national scientific collaborations between Germany and Poland. Increased scientific exchange between the two countries in various topical fields is one of the main aims of the CASUS-based Scultetus Center, an international meeting place of science.
The face-to-face exchange of ideas on artificial intelligence, materials science, and astrophysics took place in mid-January when Dr. Attila Cangi, acting head of the Matter under Extreme Conditions Group at CASUS, was invited by Prof. David Blaschke, Vice Director of the Institute of Theoretical Physics at University of Wrocław, to present his team’s work on artificial intelligence for materials research at the institute’s regular seminar series.
Matter exposed to high temperatures, pressures, and strong electromagnetic fields is summed up under the term matter under extreme conditions. Phenomena that occur in such conditions are, among others, observed in many astronomical objects. Accurately simulating and modeling these phenomena is a challenging task, but it can help solve unanswered questions about the evolution and dynamics of various celestial bodies. Blaschke’s team has renowned expertise in neutron stars, where the properties of extreme states of matter are particularly important. Innovative methodologies that blend physics and artificial intelligence could provide a fresh perspective on addressing some of the complex problems in that research field.
It is worth noting that both Germany and Poland have highlighted topics from astronomy in their current national science communication campaigns. Germany’s campaign, titled “Our Universe”, and Poland’s celebrations of the 550th birthday of polymath and astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus through exhibitions and events, showcase the vast mysteries and wonders of the universe.
With respect to the Scultetus Center, an organizational framework is currently developed to facilitate further scientific collaborations between Dresden (HZDR), Görlitz (CASUS), and Wrocław (University of Wrocław) including various forms of scientific exchange such as frequent visits of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers for scientific meetings, talks, and workshops.