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The European Materials Society — now 20 years old — offers a focus on functional materials and a willingness to engage in policy issues. The success of present and future activities depends on its ability to remain flexible.
When tackling the most fundamental of questions in materials science — what holds matter together — is the concept of an intermolecular potential still useful? Will it survive the emergence of more accurate and increasingly affordable ab initio calculations?
Artists have always tried to embrace new materials and new technology. But today, few artists seem aware of the latest developments in materials science, which may help them to understand and exploit the dynamic nature of the media they work with.