Nano-science is presently one of most active fields of basic research, rich in potential technological applications. Its aim is the understanding and control of matter at the nanometer scale. Advanced synthesis techniques and state-of-the-art analytical tools such as scanning tunneling microscopy, ultra-short laser pulses, and x-rays from synchrotron radiation are used by the researchers from the Department of Physics, in close collaboration with the TASC Laboratory of the Istituto Officina dei Materiali (CNR), and with the ELETTRA Laboratory. A parallel activity is centered on theoretical modelling and computations, both to explain experimental results and to provide predictions about the properties of new materials, such as low-dimensional systems, liquids and colloids, semiconductor and semi-metals.