What is SONS?
Self-assembly or self-organisation is a process in which a supramolecular hierarchical organisation is established in a complex system of interlocking components. The mechanism that produces the organisation is determined by the competing interactions between the components. The hierarchy of interactions determines the hierarchy of levels in the final nanostructured material. Researchers can now design materials that assemble themselves into complex, finished structures.
SONS is a rapidly growing field, highlighted in many countries as extremely important in the next decade of science and technology.
It offers a great range of potential technological breakthroughs in many areas. It is an example of a subject in which engineering development and the resolution of scientific problems are essential to achieve the objectives.
Whilst in many European countries disciplinary research programmes in nano-sciences are well-established, global developments in SONS raise the challenge to establish a truly inter-disciplinary approach, engaging the best scientists and expertise available in Europe.
