Work package number and title:

2. Invitation of the leading experts in the field of magnetic fluids to IPUL

Objectives:

1. Institute of Physics has established a fruitful collaboration with the Magnetic Fluid Research group of the Center of Applied Microgravity Research (ZARM), University of Bremen. The group is very well technically and experimentally equipped; its leader Dr. S. Odenbach is an internationally recognized high level specialist in experimental ferrohydrodynamics. The group performs excellent experiments in magnetoviscosity and heat and mass transfer including those of thermodiffusive separation but employing a technique different of that used in the Institute of Physics and planed in WP7. The aim of the present WP is to coordinate the mutual activities, to discuss the results obtained in both centers and to prepare common publications on the research proposed in the work plan of activity WP7. Dr. Stefan Odenbach is one of coordinators for a special program of German Physical Society on Magnetic Fluid Research. Therefore, the collaboration with him and with his research group will stimulate contacts between the Institute of Physics in Latvia and other research groups in Germany in order to broaden the scientific collaboration and to find partners for participation in the EC networking programs in future. 
2. Since according to the working plan of the package on the magnetic fluids the analysis of the field induced phase transformations is supposed then crucial significance in that research plays the knowledge of the physical parameters of the magnetic colloids determining the interfacial properties of the arising phases. The information on those properties can be obtained from the small angle neutron scattering data. Since the researchers of P. M. Curie University Paris 6 are well known specialists in that field then their participation in the work of Center is very important. 
3. At present moment different new experimental techniques are developing for the investigation of the biological systems. Among them the important role are played by techniques using magnetic particles interacting with different biological media - DNA, membranes, intracellular matrix and other. From other hand in Institute of Physics and Faculty of Physics and Mathematics exists long experience concerning the interaction of the magnetic particles and their ensembles with magnetic fields. Application of the accumulated knowledge to the opening new opportunities is of very importance as for development of Latvia and its partners. Due to that the serie of lectures given by world leading specialist on the subject of application of magnetic particles to biological systems is of primary importance.