Advances in condensed matter physics over the past two decades have achieved two important goals: the first is to bridge the gap between fundamental research and technology, and the second is to establish interdisciplinary bridgeheads in adjacent fields. The first goal stems from numerous experimental discoveries, including epitaxial growth, microstructures and clusters, atomic-scale microscopy, high-resolution synchrotron radiation spectroscopy, quantum transport and high- temperature superconductivity. Theory has kept pace by opening up new avenues in the treatment of complexity, such as in many- electron systems, phase transitions, non-linear dynamics, fractals and chaos. What was once just an old dream of designing new materials with the desired properties and functions from Mendeleev’s table is now very close to reality. Mastery of complexity consequently allows interdisciplinary excursions into chemistry, biophysics, metallurgy, nuclear physics, and reactor technology, as well as microelectronics, particle detectors and so on. The growth of the International School of Solid State Physics is an essential complement to the International School of Materials Science and Technology. The courses will cover fundamental but important aspects of solid-state physics, while the intent of the laboratories is to examine advanced interdisciplinary areas at the forefront of current knowledge.