"This proposal (EUSOL) is an experimental research program (at INSP, UPMC, Paris, France) on the formation dynamics of EUtectic SOLidification microstructures, of both interest in nonlinear physics and materials science. Real-time directional solidification (DS) of transparent and metallic alloys will be performed, with recent videomicroscopy devices, and new setups under current or planned development. In addition to bulk- and rotating-sample DS stages (INSP), four innovative techniques will be used: the European DIRSOL microgravity instrument of ESA (with industrial partners), in-situ X-ray topography (ESRF), and holographic optical tweezers (micromanipulation). Breakthrough results are expected on the dynamics of microstructure defects in eutectics, the formation of sharp textures (emergence of preferred orientation relationships between eutectic phases), and the so-called pattern selection problem. The host INSP group (resp. Dr. S. Akamatsu) has long been expert in this subject. The researcher, Dr. Melis Serefoglu, has graduated (with excellent appreciation) from Iowa State University (ISU), with Prof. R.E. Napolitano, in solidification science, and has acquired various skills in materials science. This project is expected to provide a clear improvement of our understanding of solidification pattern formation, and to have strong impact over the international community by opening the way to the control, and hence to the optimization of the properties of solidification-processed composite materials. The reinforcement and the emergence of new collaborations between a third-country research group (ISU), French (INSP) and other institutions in Europe (e.g., ACCESS, Aachen), in experimental as well as numerical simulation programs, should be a clear contribution to European competitivity. Dr Serefoglu will perform an autonomous research in a high-level environment. She wishes to (re)integrate academic research in a EC MS/AC (possibly Turkey, her mother country)."