The mechanical behaviour of many amorphous materials (metallic, colloidal, oxide glasses, foams, etc) is controlled by similar physical mechanisms related to their disordered structure. A fundamental understanding of these mechanisms is thus pivotal for technological progress in many advanced applications, which depend on being able to formulate new materials with designed thermodynamic and mechanical properties. Scientific progress in this key area relies on a currently fragmented community of researchers with diverse domains of expertise (mechanical engineers, physicists, rheologists, …). This Action will gather leading experts to form a core network that reaches across, and breaks down, traditional community boundaries. It will promote the development of a coherent scientific effort in Europe on this topic, via the communication of theoretical concepts and analysis techniques; the education of early-stage researchers; and the dissemination of major ideas.

Keywords: amorphous materials, glassy systems, metallic glasses, colloidal suspensions, foams, rheology, plasticity.