X-ray Free-Electron Lasers (XFELs) are generating new approaches to how we study materials and are providing unprecedented insight into atomic scale structure and dynamics. Modern XFELs deliver high brilliance, femto-second pulses of spatially coherent photons ranging from ultraviolet and soft x-rays to hard x-ray wavelengths with narrow bandwidth down to ∼0.1% of the photon energy.   This enables XFELs to provide unprecedented insight into quantum materials where coupling between lattice, charge, spin and orbital degrees of freedom often gives rise to emergent behaviour and multi-functional properties.

We propose a mini colloquium to review the state-of-the-art of the application of XFELs in condensed matter and materials physics. This will highlight the key scientific breakthroughs that have been achieved with XFELs in the field of condensed matter and materials physics. Specific topics include:

    1. Structural dynamics and phase transitions

    2. Electronic structure

    3. Nanoscale imaging

    4. Ultrafast magnetism

We will also provide an overview of the current status of the proposal for the UK-XFEL and its implications for condensed matter and materials physics research in the UK.