Changes in sight

Welcome to the May/June 2001 issue of Materials Today, which incorporates many of the changes I have been flagging up in the past two issues. Most notable of these is our new design. Behind the
scenes this is accompanied by the appointment of two full time members of staff on the magazine: editor Cordelia Sealy and editorial assistant Catherine McNeill. These appointments will allow us to enhance the editorial coverage of materials research - future issues will follow topical themes and contain a mixture of specially commissioned and peer reviewed overview articles; a focus on the people and organizations making the news; and a look at the applications and markets for up and coming scientific disciplines. This will be complemented by analysis of the latest materials research and policy news and a section covering the latest tools and equipment available to materials researchers. 

Developments later in the year will include an online presence for the magazine which, in addition to features and news, will provide access to a buyers' guide, research databases and an interactive
calendar of events.

In order to ensure that we meet the needs of our readers we are requesting that you register with us either using the card enclosed in this issue or online at www.materialstoday.com. We have already
received in excess of 1000 registrations and the data is allowing us to shape our features program to match your interests. We also welcome comments on the developments taking place in the magazine
and on areas you would like to see covered.

 In this issue we focus on the increasing crossover between materials and life science research. Review articles look at nano-inspired techniques in biotechnology and polymer self-assembly for biomedical applications, while an article by our correspondent George Marsh looks at how materials play a crucial role in tissue engineering. In forthcoming issues we plan to look at the diverse areas of optoelectronics and polymers - please let us know if you would like to submit a news item or article for these issues.