In the first part of this year's Atomic Physics meeting (Monday to Wednesday) in Dresden we will have a focus on

Distant-particle interaction in excited atomic and molecular systems

The second part, from Wednesday to Friday, is open to all topics of interests in atomic and molecular physics.

Sparked by steadily expanding experimental capabilities to prepare, manipulate and analyze dynamics of matter with light, increasing attention has been devoted to excited many particle systems where electronic interaction between distant particles becomes dynamically relevant. Examples include the Interatomic Coulombic Decay and excitation and dipole-dipole interactions. Quite similar mechanisms have been uncovered in molecules, clusters, aggregates and ultarcold Rydberg systems. The focus of this year's Atomic Physics meeting in Dresden will offer the possibility for a joint discussion of these phenomena and the most recent results from different perspectives.