Metallomesogens Assemble in Italy 

Although investigations of metal-containing based liquid crystals began around the turn of the century, interest in these materials (metallomesogens) has seen a dramatic expansion over the last 10 years. The broad diversity in structure and properties of these materials was self-evident in the “Fourth International Symposium on Metallomesogens” recently held in Cetraro, Italy. This meeting, hosted by the Calabria research group, Mauro Ghedini and Roberto Bartolino (co-chairs), Francesco Neve (Secretary), Daniela Pucci, Alessandra Crispini, Nicola Scaramuzza, and Stefania Morrone, was held in an elegant and tranquil atmosphere afforded by the sea-side resort at The Grand Hotel, San Michele.