The Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS) – UM6P had the pleasure of welcoming Prof. Leticia Cugliandolo, an internationally renowned theoretical physicist from Sorbonne Université, on the occasion of her visit to Mohammed VI Polytechnic University.

Her visit began with a series of stimulating exchanges at the IAS, focusing on the dynamics of contemporary research, from statistical physics to active matter. The day continued with a joint seminar organized by the IAS and the School of Applied and Engineering Physics (UM6P), held at the Teaching Center (TC-G-02).

Entitled Order in Two Dimensions, the seminar revisited the fundamental question of how order and disorder emerge in two-dimensional systems. Prof. Cugliandolo explored the distinctive mechanisms governing melting in low-dimensional systems, where long-range translational order is forbidden, yet remarkable intermediate phases—connecting solid and liquid states—can arise.

The lecture examined the transition between solid, hexatic, and liquid phases, before extending these concepts to active matter composed of self-propelled particles. By linking microscopic crystal behavior to collective motion in living matter, the seminar shed light on how movement and interactions give rise to novel collective dynamics and complex forms of organization.

This joint session offered participants a rigorous and insightful perspective on the physics of low-dimensional systems and active matter, reaffirming the IAS’s commitment to fostering high-level interdisciplinary dialogue across the physical sciences.