The multipole response of nuclei far from the beta-stability line and the possible occurrence of exotic

modes of excitation presents a very active field of research. The unique structure properties which

characterize nuclear systems far from stability (weak binding of the outermost nucleons, coupling

between bound states and the particle continuum, formation of nuclei with very diffuse neutron

densities, occurrence of neutron skin and halo structures) have a pronounced effect on the multipole

response of unstable nuclei. For instance, several theoretical analyses have predicted the occurrence

of the pygmy dipole resonance (PDR) in medium-mass and heavy nuclei. The interpretation of the

dynamics of the observed low-lying E1 strength in nuclei with a pronounced neutron excess is currently

very much under discussion.

Several new theoretical approaches have recently been developed, providing a fully microscopic

description of low-lying collective excitations in weakly bound nuclei. The proposed Workshop will

provide an excellent opportunity to compare results and predictions of various models, and to discuss

the future development of modern theoretical tools based on the interacting shell-model, the time-

dependent non-relativistic and relativistic mean-field models, as well as various extensions which go

beyond the mean-field framework.

The measurement of exotic modes is also a rapidly expanding field and many new experiments are

being planned and designed at existing or future radioactive beam facilities. The purpose of the

proposed Workshop is to provide a strong interplay between theorists and experimentalists on current

and future research projects. The emphasis will be on the theoretical guidance and support for

experimental studies of exotic modes of excitation. We will also consider a Letter of Intent to be

submitted to several laboratories.

Exotic modes of excitation might play an important role in nuclear astrophysics : the occurrence of PDR

has a pronounced effect on neutron capture rates in the r-process nucleosynthesis. The ability to model

the Gamow-Teller response is  also essential for reliable predictions of \beta-decay rates in neutron-rich

nuclei along the r-process path. Assessing the quality of calculations at mean field level and/or beyond

mean field, as far as nuclear astrophysics applications are concerned, is one of the goals of the present

Workshop. Othert applications such as the photodisintegration of Ultra-High Energy Cosmic

Rays(UHECR) or excitations in neutron stars crust should also be investigated.

The proposed Workshop will provide a broad discussion forum by which experts from theoretical,

phenomenological, and experimental backgrounds can exchange ideas. The main focus will be on the

following topics:

Comparison of physical contents, predictions, and results of various models that are being used in the

description of exotic modes of excitation in nuclear systems (interacting shell-model, time-dependent

self-consistent mean-field framework, semi-classical approaches, theories beyond mean field).

Discussion of future developments of modern theoretical tools for nuclear structure physics.

Present and future experiments on the multipole response of nuclei far from stability using radioactive

beam facilities. Comparison of available data with theoretical predictions, and open questions in the

interpretation of the dynamics of exotic modes (collectivity of low-energy dipole strength, vortex modes,

spin-isospin modes). Discussion on exotic modes which could be measured at the next generation

radioactive beam laboratories (SPIRAL2, FAIR, EURISOL, RIBF).

Role of exotic modes of nuclear excitation in the r-process nucleosynthesis, photodisintegration of

Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays, exotic modes in neutron stars, weak-interaction processes

(beta-decay rates, neutrino-induced reactions on stable and neutron-rich nuclei).

The structure of the Workshop will consist of plenary topical talks (three in each morning session)

followed by discussions on specific topics, and shorter contributions (four in each afternoon session)

followed by discussions in  informal working groups. We plan to have approximately 40 oral

contributions (with a balanced contribution of the talks corresponding to the three topics, and with

about 10 talks from junior scientists).