Entropy and the Second Law of Thermodynamics – The past, the present, and the future

The second law of thermodynamics that characterizes the entropy change of many-body systems is a fundamental law of Nature. Originally formulated by Rudolf Clausius to understand the conversion of heat into work in the context of heat engines, it is now universally used to describe the direction of thermodynamic transformations close and far from equilibrium in physics, chemistry and biology.

In this workshop, we will celebrate Clausius' 200th birthday in 2022 by exploring the recent developments in the experimental and theoretical investigations of the second law in various directions. We aim for an inspiring exchange between researchers from such diverse fields as information theory, cosmology, quantum physics, non-equilibrium thermodynamics, physical chemistry and biophysics under the unifying framework of the second law.

We will, in particular, focus on the intimate interplay between entropy and information, the study of far-from-equilibrium processes in classical and quantum systems, as well as the central role played by entropy in the function of molecular and biological systems. The participants will be both senior and young researchers working in these active fields.

The conference language will be English. The Wilhelm and Else Heraeus-Foundation bears the cost of full-board accommodation for all participants.