  We consider a microscopic field theoretical approach for interacting active
nematic particles. With only steric interactions the self-propulsion strength
in such systems can lead to different collective behaviour, e.g., synchronized
self-spinning and collective translation. The different behaviour results from
the delicate interplay between internal nematic structure, particle shape
deformation and particle-particle interaction. For intermediate active strength
an asymmetric shape emerges and leads to chirality and self-spinning crystals.
For larger active strength the shape is symmetric and translational collective
motion emerges. Within circular confinements, depending on the packing
fraction, the self-spinning regime either stabilizes positional and
orientational order or can lead to edge currents and global rotation which
destroys the synchronized self-spinning crystalline structure.
