Preface: phys. stat. sol. (c) 7/11–12
Authors: Correia Antonio , Sáenz Juan José , Ordejon Pablo , Roche Stephan 
Published: November 2010

Trends in Nanotechnology (TNT2009)

This special issue of Physica Status Solidi presents representative contributions describing the main topics covered at the 10th “Trends in Nanotechnology” (TNT2009) International Conference, held in Barcelona (Spain), September 07–11, 2009.

During the last years many international or national conferences have emerged in response to the growing awareness of the importance of nanotechnology as key issue for the future scientific and technological development. Among these, the conference series “Trends in Nanotechnology ” has become one of the most important meeting points in the nano‐technology field: it provides fresh organisation ideas, brings together well known speakers, and promotes a suitable environment for discussions, exchanging ideas, enhancing scientific and personal relations among participants. TNT2009, successful consequence of a coordinated effort among several organising institutions, was organised in a similar way to the prior TNT conferences, with a scientific programme including 6 Invited Speakers and 34 Keynotes covering a wide spectrum of Nanoscience & Nanotechnology research. In 2009, more than 450 scientists worldwide attended this event and contributed with 40 oral contributions and 292 posters, stimulating discussions about their most recent research. The aim of the conference was to focus on the presentation of the latest Nanoscience results obtained worldwide and their related applications and to bring together, in a scientific forum, various groups belonging to industry, universities and government institutions. TNT2009 was again particularly effective at transmitting information and establishing contacts among workers in this field. Graduate students attending such conferences have understood the importance of interdisciplinary skills to afford their future research lines. One of the main objectives of the TNT2009 conference was to provide a platform where young researchers can present their latest work (for the second time, a specific parallel session was dedicated to students) and also interact with high‐level scientists. Therefore, 83 graduate students received a grant allowing them to attend and present their work. In addition, 18 prizes to the best posters were awarded during this event.

The following Scientific Institutions, Companies and Government Agencies supported TNT2009: Phantoms Foundation, Universidad de Oviedo, Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC), CIC nanoGUNE Consolider, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, University of Purdue, Georgia Institute of Technology, CEA/LETI, MINATEC, Universidad de Barcelona, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, 22@Barcelona, Knowledge innovation market bcn (Kimbcn), nanoaracat, Instituto Catalán de Nanotecnología, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Nanociencia de Aragón, Instituto Español de Comercio Exterior (ICEX) & “españa‐technology for life” program, NIMS (Nanomaterials Laboratory) and MANA (International Center for Materials and Nanoarchitectonics), NanoBasque, University of Fribourg and frimat, Adolphe Merkle Institute, Air Force Office of Scientific Research, NSERC/CRSNG (Nano Innovation Platform), GDR‐I/Nano‐I, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Centro de Investigación en Nanomateriales y Nanotecnología (CINN), IE Universidad, Ayuntamiento de Barcelona, Fundación Itma, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación, ONCE, Parque Científico de Madrid (PCM), P. Van Hove (private donation), FEI Company, IJ Cambria Scientific, Ambassade de France en Espagne, C'Nano Ile‐de‐France and Wiley‐VCH & PSS.

We would also like to thank the following companies and Institutions for their participation: Nanotec Electronica, Fischer, Orsay Physics, Raith, Wiley‐VCH, Scientec, Omicron Nanotechnology, Phantoms Foundation, ICEX, LOT, Photon Lines, nano tech 2010, SMA, nanoaracat, Institut Català d'investigació Química (ICIQ), Parc Científic de Barcelona (PCB), Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Nanotechnology Cluster Bellaterra (BCN‐b), Institut de Nanociencia i Nanotecnología (IN2UB), Institut de Ciències Fotòniques (ICFO), Center for Research in NanoEngineering (CRNE), EMaS Research Center and LEITAT Technological Center.

We invite readers of this special issue to join us in the Canary Islands (Spain), where the next “Trends in Nanotechnology” 2011 edition will take place (http://www.tntconf.org) (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)