Polymer surfaces and interfaces control the properties that define function in the emerging areas of biotechnology and nanotechnology. Although the general topic of polymer surfaces and interfaces has a long and rich history, the evolution of new polymer chemistries, fabrication approaches, characterization methods, and targeted applications provides unquestionable motivation for an inter-disciplinary symposium to foster discussions and cross-breeding of ideas and understanding to push this critical field forward. Accordingly, I and three co-organizers [Professor Jeff Youngblood (Purdue University), Professor Rigoberto Advincula (University of Houston), and Dr. Ying Chang (Academia Sinica Taiwan)] are leading the organization of a focused symposium entitled: Polymer Surfaces and Interfaces at the upcoming national meeting of the American Chemical Society in Chicago during March 2007.
Intellectual Merit This symposium will consist of six focused topic sessions that will not only demonstrate the common foundation of polymer surfaces and interfaces across a wide range of applications and approaches, but most importantly the program will encourage the development of collaborations and cross-breeding of ideas. The focused topic sessions include: 1.) Polymer Brushes, 2.) Macromolecular Assemblies, 3.) Responsive Surfaces, Interfaces, and Films, 4.) Biopolymer / Bioactive Surfaces, 5.) Chemistry at Surfaces and Interfaces, 6.) Adhesion and Interfacial Physics. These six topics represent the current state-of-the-art research in the field of polymer surfaces and interfaces. The range of chemistries, processes, characterization methods, and applications within each of these focused sessions will provide a unique program to encourage collaboration and education among established and young researchers. The foundation for this program has been set with an extensive and diverse list of invited speakers that represent the leaders in research in the topics covered by the six focused topic sessions.
Broader Impact The broader impact of this symposium will emerge from the diversity of the co-organizing committee, the diversity of the invited speakers, and the diversity of the general participants at the national meeting of the American Chemical Society. This symposium will encourage the exposure of young researchers in the field of polymer surfaces and interfaces by inviting several speakers that are either young professors or post-doctoral researchers, while also providing a poster session for the general participation of graduate student researchers. Furthermore, the participation of women and under-represented minorities will be encouraged through direct invitations and widely-distributed advertisements. This organization will not only provide opportunities for research scientists from all backgrounds to discuss current challenges and approaches in polymer surface and interface research, but it will provide an opportunity for young researchers to be educated and prepared for their future careers.
