Rationale for the Workshop and Topics
Given the significant developments in polymer research over the last decade and the simultaneous evolution of the polymer industry, it is essential and timely that an NSF-sponsored workshop on polymer science and engineering be held now to identify and update specific science and engineering opportunities and strategies for research and education. We therefore plan to hold a two-day workshop on interdisciplinary and globally leading polymer science and engineering at NSF headquarters in August 2007.
The workshop will target the following six key areas for discussion:
1. Polymer Synthesis and New Polymeric Materials
2. Complex Polymer Systems
3. Modeling and Theory
4. Characterization and Properties
5. Processing and Assembly
6. Technology and Societal Applications
These areas represent fundamental aspects of polymer science and engineering and underlie the many technologies and applications of polymers. They also represent core educational topics in polymer science and engineering and areas of strong international competition.