Statistical Physics and Complexity

Statistical mechanics is a major theoretical tool we use for the understanding of complex systems. There has in recent years been a shift away from purely equilibrium problems to working on systems that are out of equilibrium. Here in Edinburgh we conduct a wide programme of fundamental work on model systems which addresses the many novel principles of non-equilibrium physics: for example, true phase transitions can arise even in one dimension.

Our work also has direct relevance to a wide range of other disciplines besides physics, for example, biology, ecology and linguistics.