Development and Applications of String Theory

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String theory is at an important stage of its development. The rapid improvement in our understanding of the theory made string theory a useful toolkit in our investigations of the structures underlying the workings of nature. The applications of string theory techniques to particle physics, gravitation and cosmology are the main mandate of string theorists, and our best opportunity to make connection with experimental data. Additionally, increasingly and perhaps surprisingly, methods originating from string theory, especially as a theory of quantum gravity and quantum black holes, have found applications in many diverse areas of physics and mathematics. Such applications have the added effect of contributing, as the theory is confronted and tested in a variety ofphysical situations, to a deeper understanding and continuing development of string theory itself. The research proposed has therefore the dual purpose of developing further the structure of string theory, while also applying it to various interesting physical contexts where it can provide us with unique insights. Additionally, the proposal outlines a training plan for highly qualified personnel, who benefit from a research environment and receive training in technical and computational techniques with wide applicability.