Welcome to Dublin, Ireland's capital city, steeped in history and youthful energy. Medieval, Georgian and modern architecture provide a magnificent backdrop to a safe and friendly bustling port, where the cosmopolitan and charming converge in the delightful diversity that is Dublin.

Trinity College Dublin is honoured to be your host for ICSM 2006.We extend a warm welcome to our Nobel Laureates, the Plenary, Keynote and Invited Speakers, and all other participants and guests.

The International Conference on Science and Technology of Synthetic Metals (ICSM) brings together leading scientists and engineers to discuss the latest advances in Synthetic Metals (such as conducting polymers and carbon nanotubes). These materials are finding applications in areas as diverse as artificial muscles, electronic noses, plastic solar cells, corrosion inhibition, biosensors, electronic textiles and nerve cell communications. The ability to manipulate matter on the nanometer scale (nanotechnology) presents the possibility of making materials more suitable for current engineering needs (e.g., smaller, lighter) and to make new materials which open up new engineering and medical possibilities. Consequently, a synergy between synthetic metals, information technology, biotechnology and nanotechnology has emerged and is providing groundbreaking and exciting scientific and industrial challenges.

Plenary lectures from eminent international scientists will be among the highlights of the scientific program. These will include talks from several Nobel laureates in a special opening session.

As part of ICSM 2006, we will run special events aiming to communicate directly with businesses about potential partnerships and collaborations that are an integral part of modern R & D and which make possible the commercialisation of cutting-edge technology.

ICSM has previously been held in Siofok (1976), New York (1977), Dubrovnik (1978), Helsingor (1980), Boulder (1981), Les Arcs (1982), Abano Terme (1984), Kyoto (1986), Santa Fe (1988), Tubingen (1990), Goteborg (1992), Seoul (1994), Snowbird (1996), Montpellier (1998), Bad Gastein (2000), Shanghai (2002) and Wollongong (2004).

Ireland has many scenic, cultural and natural attractions, and is an excellent country to visit. As tourism is a major Irish industry, tourists are well-catered for, with quality accommodation, attractions and activities throughout the country. The hospitality is legendary- why not extend your visit and explore our island?

Werner Blau, Trinity College Dublin