The potential role of well-defined polymeric materials in a range of advanced technologies is becoming increasing apparent. From microelectronics, sensors, drug delivery systems, catalysts, agents for chemical warfare detection and destruction, smart surfaces, to biodegradable tissue replacements, polymeric materials are the critical components or enabling technologies for the successful implementation of these applications. This symposium will focus upon recent developments in the catalysts to produce well-defined polymers, assembly of polymers into nanostructured materials, electronically-functional polymers, polymers for holographic storage and fuel cell devices, fundamental investigations of the interfaces between organic polymers and inorganic substrates, and a significant amount of discussion on the topics of biomaterials and polymers for biomedical applications. Improved understanding of these complex systems and their advancement toward new technologies are expected to be the outcomes from such discussions and exchanges of knowledge in these critical areas by world experts, as can occur uniquely in the framework of the Gordon Research Conferences.
Broader Impacts: The ability to gather experts within the framework of the Gordon Research Conferences provides unique opportunities to exchange data and ideas that will accelerate the translation of polymer materials developments across laboratories and from research advances to technological applications. Moreover, the agenda for this conference has been designed to assemble a significant number of speakers and discussion leaders who are new to this conference to bring new perspectives. Young scientists, postdoctoral associates and students will be encouraged to attend.
