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Words from the editor
To my great pleasure a number of young people are in the focus of this second issue of nanonews. Urs Staufer
and Roland Bennewitz received calls as professors, Hans-Josef Hug will become Head of a new EMPA department, and
three young scientists briefly describe their research within the NCCR Nanoscale Science. Additionally,
schoolgirls and boys show their enthusiasm for nanoscale science. This became clear during the program
"Jugend forscht" and the Science Days in the Europa Park Rust. This interest and enthusiasm of young people for
science is very important for the future of our research. It allows us to discuss our research not only with
colleagues and other scientists but also to present science to lay people, to realistically explain our goals, and
also to discuss possible benefits and risks of our work. We are also very pleased that 50 new students have started
their studies in the Nanoscience Curriculum in the current winter term.
The exchange and networking with other scientists and users of our research was in the focus of several events
during the last months. During the Nanoconference and Nanofair in St.Gallen an intensive dialogue between science
and industry was made possible. An other very successful event was the third Swiss/US-Nanoforum. It was held in
Basel and gave all the attendees the opportunity to get informed about the excellent nanoscale research on both
sides of the Atlantic.
During this year’s Scientific Advisory Board Meeting it once again became clear that we have built up an excellent
center in nanoscale science. The Scientific Advisory Board showed us some points that need to be improved, however,
in general we have received a very positive feedback. In the coming months we have now to convince the Review Panel
and the Nationalfonds of the qualities of our NCCR. Therefore, I would like to ask all sub-project and project
leaders to deliver the requested reports and data for the Scientific Report on time and in the highest possible
quality. We have achieved a lot in the past, but we now have to give our best to receive funding for the continuation
of our NCCR. One step into this direction is the planned restructuring of our NCCR into four projects. We expect that
this will improve the output, collaboration and communication within and between the projects and institutions. The
new structure will become effective on the 1st of June 2004. We shall inform you about this process in the coming
issues of the nanonews.
There is a lot to do in the coming weeks. I am confident that we will succeed and that another successful year with
exciting new research results lies ahead of us. On behalf of the NCCR Management Team I should like to thank all of
you for your contributions and support during 2003. I wish you and your families and friends a relaxing, peaceful and
happy Holiday Season, and a good start into 2004.
Yours sincerely,
Hans-Joachim Güntherodt
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