E-MRS symposium N: “Synthesis, processing and characterization of nanoscale multi functional oxide films V”

This symposium followed directly from extremely successful symposia on the same theme held at the Spring E-MRSmeeting in previous years (2006, 2009, 2011, and 2013). The theme is interdisciplinary, and drew together scientists and engineers interested in thin film and device fabrication, characterization, and applications, together with theoreticians and modellers. Symposium sessions filled the whole week of the E-MRS meeting, and we learnt much about novel growth and processing methods for oxides; structuring and manipulation for nanotechnology; doping effects, and the influence ofmicrostructure, stress, defects, and interfaces. There were presentations on ionic conductivity, photoactivity, sensing, and electrochemical properties; piezoelectric, thermoelectric, thermochromic, photoelectric, and photonic applications; and on ferroelectrics, multiferroics and magnetic oxide-based films. This illustrates the vast range of interest in oxides, oxide-based thin films, and device structures. At the start of theweekwe found that our symposium had been ‘upgraded’ to one of the larger presentation venues within the Lille Grand Palais, and we were very happy to see that most of the sessions did, indeed, attract large numbers of participants. Questions and discussions following presentationswere informed, and often animated. Poster sessions also offered opportunities for discussion and debate. We thank all of the E-MRS organisers for their support and guidance, which contributed to a very smooth-running symposium; and also those who assisted by chairing sessions and assessing posters at the conference. Once again, the symposium proceedings are published in collaboration with thin solid films, and we are extremely grateful to Elsevier, and the editorial team, for their considerable assistance in the Editorial process. We also thank authors and reviewers for their hard and efficient work.