The topological properties of quantum field theories are responsible for several exotic phenomena occurring over many length scales, from nano-materials to the early universe. A fundamental phenomena in gauge theories, confinement, is believed to be intimately related to topology. The techniques used by the condensed matter and the high energy communities to address such problems are, at least superficially, quite different. Within the condensed matter community, the interplay of topology and interactions is still in a developing phase. Researchers working in gauge theories, on the other hand, have made some progress in the understanding of non-perturbative phenomena related to topology. It thus makes it timely and appropriate to bring the two groups together to understand the techniques currently in use and to develop a common ground. Given the conceptual and technical challenges, specially for understanding phenomena beyond perturbation theory, insights and results from different in...
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