Kieron Burke University of California, Irvine (UCI) I will explain what DFT is, why it works, and why it is a standard practical approach to electronic structure problems. Useful references include a review for anyone with a background in quantum mechanics[1] and recorded CECAM lectures on the theoretical underpinnings[2]. [1] DFT in a nutshell Kieron Burke, Lucas O. Wagner, Int. J. Quant. Chem. 113, 96-101 (2013) [2] https://www.cecam.org/workshop-9-1326.html