You're virtually there!

Our second virtual conference will take place on June 15th and we are planning another great opportunity for you to learn more about some of the new and exciting developments in the field of materials science whilst at the same time having the opportunity to meet and post questions to some of the leading names in their fields. You'll also be able to network with colleagues and friends in our virtual chat room, download free papers published in some of Elsevier's leading journals, and browse our exhibition area where you'll find some of the leading industrial players in the field of synthesis, characterization, and novel devices.

A new feature to this years spring virtual conference is the addition of a recruitment booth. Here you will be able to see a handpicked selection of positions both academic and industrial, available in materials science and related disciplines. Details of the positions and the opportunity to communicate with an online representative from the institution or company are just a couple of the features available to you on the day.

We'll also have a number of competitions running throughout the event with an opportunity to win a number of amazon gift vouchers.

Visit the virtual conference link on www.materialstoday.com to learn more about our virtual conference and to register free of charge.

Also in the month of June we will be airing four webinars hosted by Thermo Scientific, Bruker, Oxford Instruments and Hysitron. All four giving you a unique insight into the latest breakthroughs in instrumentation, techniques, and analysis; used in a range of fields within materials science. We hope to see you at all of these events; details of which can be found by following the webinars link on our homepage.

We are now connecting with you via so many different channels aside from conventional physical conference events. We are using social networks, webinars, and virtual conferences, we hear more about what you want to read about and who you want to hear every day, I encourage you to sign-up to these channels if you haven't already done so, we're looking forward to hearing from you!

Do spend a few minutes listening to one or two of our weekly podcasts. Stewart Bland, assistant editor ofMaterials Today, has put together a number of very informative, inspiring, and entertaining events. They are only 10 – 15 minutes in length so a perfect companion for your coffee break.

If you would like to feature in any of the events/initiatives we are embarking upon please do not hesitate to get in touch! I hope you enjoy our latest issue.