The Network "Elementary Steps of Layer Growth in the Fabrication of Novel Materials by Atomic Layer Epitaxy" (ALENET) has been officially launched on 14 December 1998. The purpose of the network is to promote research in the field of Atomic Layer Epitaxy and related fields deposition of atomic layers from the liquid phase (ECALE and SILAR). The network focuses its activity on "atomic level" basic studies on the growth mechanism of atomic layers. The network organises workshops and conferences as well as sponsors student/postdocs exchanges. These activities are open to all interested researchers in this area.