The SLACS laboratory is addressed to the ultimate goal of computational condensed matter physics, namely: the atomic-scale understanding and the predictive modeling of hard- and soft-matter properties, as well as materials behavior, in whatsoever state of aggregation, chemical composition, or microstructure complexity. SLACS contends such a formidable challenge by applying a large variety of theoretical and computational tools, ranging from ab initio electronic structure calculations to large-scale molecular dynamics simulations.

SLACS is actively engaged in developing both new computational methods and high-performance computing algorithms for bridging multiple length and time scales. The above tools are applied to investigate systems and processes central to modern materials science, and nanoscience or nanotechnology, such as: micro-/opto-electronics and photonics, biomaterials, drug design, novel superconducing and advanced structural materials, as well as the interpretation of experiments thereupon. To strenghten the latter connection, the SLACS laboratory will henceforth incorporate and support an experimental activity focused on novel hybrid organic/inorganic nanosystems for applications in advanced optoelectronics.
The scientific scope of SLACS is truly inter- and multi-disciplinary in nature; in fact, SLACS researchers make use of concepts, methods and theoretical devices characterizing condensed matter physics, as well as biology, applied mathematics, materials science, and science of complexity. In fact, the variety and the versatility of the computational methods used at SLACS will set us in an ideal position to study new phenomena and new materials, keeping a close contact between the methods of theoretical and computational physics with experiments.