Materials Science Research at NCSA

``A new scientific truth does not triumph by convincing its opponents, but rather because its opponents die, and a new generation grows up that is familiar with it.''

These prophetic words from Max Planck are especially meaningful today. His studies in atomic structure at the turn of this century began a revolution of innovative approaches that became known as the ``new physics.'' In contemporary science--not just in physics--this thinking is no longer new because it is accepted practice. By now many generations are ``familiar with it'' indeed.

Almost a century since Planck took the first steps in quantum theory, high-performance computing is enabling great strides to be made in materials science research, whose practitioners base their numerical analyses in quantum theory. One of the most active areas of research at NCSA and the other NSF-sponsored HPCC centers, materials science is staging another kind of revolution with its researcher's findings.

Two distinguished, long-time materials science researchers-- Arthur Freeman and David Pines--discuss their work. David Ceperley explains his research into the fundamentals of condensed matter physics of the Quantum World. Using atomic-level simulations, Jim Adams and his research group are developing a variety of materials that have useful applications for consumers.

NCSA's Education Group is taking some new departures by examining classroom needs from the standpoint of students and establishing an undergraduate internship program. Read about NCSA's newest partner, United Technologies Corp. A recent book by a former NCSA employee is reviewed. Other items of interest follow in the center activities section.

Beginning with this issue of access, we have a different look for enhanced readability and better integration of articles, especially in the departments.

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