Geometrically frustrated magnets and spintronics are two exciting magnetism-related new branches of condensed matter physics. Interests in frustrated magnetic systems have been growing rapidly since such systems have been made available in recent years. Due to the frustration, these materials exhibit highly unusual physical properties than normal magnetic systems. For example, the system ground state has an extremely high degeneracy, therefore, the system may exhibit very unusual behaviors.
Spintronics is a new type of ``electronics'' based on the spin (instead of the charge) degrees of freedom of electrons, and has a great potential for industrial applications. Spin transport in (non)magnetic materials certainly need to be understood before any such applications are made possible. Recently, Zhang et al have predicted dissipationless spin current under certain conditions. New physical phenomena have been emerging in this field one after another. For example, a small spin current may flip the magnetization of the entire sample.
My experience as a ``hard'' condensed matter theorist has equipped me with sufficient knowledge and skills to attack any problems in these areas. In addition, my past experience as a successful experimental physicist will promise me a better and deeper understanding of the fast emerging new experimental results. These factors should help me become a leader in these fast developing areas.