The traditional Materials Science Colloquium was held for the fifteenth time at the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering (IWW) at Chemnitz University of Technology. At the materials science conference on 20 and 21 September 2012, more than 90 scientific lectures and poster contributions reported on the latest research results, innovative applications and process engineering developments. The pleasingly high number of participants, more than 230 guests from Germany and abroad, once again confirmed the acceptance of this conference in the constant exchange of knowledge with other colleagues in the field.

The annual conference has always addressed current problems in materials development, coating and surface technology (especially thermal spraying and electroplating), wear and thermal protection as well as composite materials and material composites, which are presented and discussed by proven experts from science and industry. In addition, current research results from no less than three special research areas (SFBs) were presented. For example, the latest results from the SFB 692 of the TU Chemnitz "High-strength aluminium-based lightweight materials for safety components" and two SFBs of the TU Bergakademie Freiberg were reported.

In addition to the industrial exhibition, other highlights included the keynote speech by Professor von Unwerth (Chair of Alternative Vehicle Drives at Chemnitz University of Technology) on the topic of e-mobility. In this context, the conference participants were able to test e-mobility live and test drive electric vehicles.

The reviewed contributions were compiled in a conference volume, which is available atOrder conference proceedingscan be ordered.

The 16th Materials Technology Colloquium will take place on 26 and 27 September 2013.

In addition, the Institute of Materials Science and Engineering is once again inviting participants to Chemnitz on 27 and 28 November 2012 for the annual advanced training course "Electrochemical Coatings". Interested parties from industry, vocational training centres and research institutions will be given a theoretical and practical insight into electrochemical processes and procedures as well as material and surface characterisation methods with the two-day advanced training programme. Information on registration and the course programme is available atwww.tu-chemnitz.de/mb/OTF/WKES. We look forward to seeing you there!