Book excerpt: This book presents recent results on experimental and theoretical studies of the interaction of heavy ions with nuclei at low and intermediate energies: the dynamics of fusion and decay of complex nuclear systems, the synthesis of superheavy elements, the synthesis and properties of exotic nuclei close to the proton and neutron driplines, nuclear fission, nuclear structure, and reactions with stable and radioactive ion beams. It also covers some aspects of applied physics research: track membranes and their applications, the use of polymers in medicine and electronics, production and application of radioisotopes for medical purposes, and environmental protection.