The purpose of Telluride Workshop on Polymer Physics (formerly called Polymers: Theory vs. Experiment) is to provide a forum for intensive discussions of rapidly developing areas of polymer science that have high technological and theoretical interest. The meeting is designed to have a balanced representation of active theoretical and experimental polymer scientists and includes both senior researchers and young researchers who are just beginning their careers but have interesting new results to present. Some effort is made to obtain representation from abroad, although no special funds are made available for financing foreign travel. Participation in the meeting is limited by the requirement that each attendee presents an invited talk. The selection of about 20 to 30 attendees is made through joint agreement of a conference committee composed of members with a range of interests.

The small scale of the meeting fosters strong interactions during the lectures and extensive discussions about the presented research and the planning of future research during the hikes and other activities in the afternoon break between the morning and evening lectures. Many participants form groups in town after the evening lectures to socialize and to further discuss research / disagreements in a friendly environment. This informal organization has led to a collegial and productive set of meetings.