New Frontiers in Macromolecular Science: From Macromolecular Concepts of Living Matter to Polymers for Better Quality of Life

In the year 2009, the Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, will celebrate 50th anniversary of its foundation. This is the very occasion to contemplate current trends in macromolecular science from the view of challenges of science and technology for the 21st century. The meeting shall bring together a diverse group of researchers to discuss general physical, chemical and biological issues of macromolecular systems and let them to evaluate the current role and future prospects of macromolecular science. Starting from macromolecular concepts that can contribute to understanding of processes occurring in living matter, following with principles, on which new bio-inspired materials might be designed, to analysis of physical processes governing molecular and supramolecular organization in macromolecular systems and to new concepts for development of polymers for technology advancement.

The meeting will focus on the state of the art theoretical and methodological developments in macromolecular science, however, it will be opened to new hypotheses, emerging ideas and new approaches to experimental methods and design as well. It will provide a unique opportunity for meeting researchers and colleagues in interdisciplinary fields of macromolecular science, and enjoy the exchange of ideas in the inspiring environment of Prague.
CONFERENCE TOPICS
I. Bioanalogous and Biomimetic Principles and Materials

Chairmen: J. Kopeček, K. Ulbrich

bioanalogous and biomimetic concepts in design of polymer biomaterials – biomaterial/cell interfaces – bio-interactions of polymers through molecular recognition – polymer-derived stealth properties – drug targeting and delivery through macromolecular carriers
II. Molecular and Supramolecular Organization in Macromolecular Systems

Chairmen: C. K. Ober, P. Štěpánek

polymeric materials with hierarchical structure - supramolecular polymer assemblies - targeted synthesis of self-ordering polymers - self-organized polymer materials responsive to external stimuli - polymers at ordered surfaces and interfaces - dynamics in organized polymeric systems - theoretical models of self-organized polymer systems - advanced methods for structure analysis of macromolecules
III. Polymers for Advancement in Technologies

Chairman, chairwoman: G. Wegner, V. Cimrová

advanced materials – photonics and electronics – polymer nanocomposites – smart gels and polymer networks – (bio)degradable polymer materials – polymers in energy production and conservation