J. IIONEYMAN The second textile and clothing research and development programme (1982-1985) supported by the EEC was undertaken with the prime objective of strengthening the competitiveness of the Community textile industries by stimulating innovation. From the generation of the research ideas through to the application of new technologies, the optimum conditions for scientific research demand highly trained and qualified people working in well-equipped laboratories. The Commission, in collaboration with the textile industries working through Comitextil, participated in the selection of suitable topics and supported the implementation of the programme and the publication and dissemination of the results. In all, 24 institutes in seven member countries carried out the programme which was divided into 35 separate but co-ordinated contracts. The costs were shared equally between the Commission and the participat ing institutes. The results were presented by selected specialists at the closing symposium held in Luxembourg on the 18 and 19 September 1985. The technical sessions covered the four topics: garment physiology and construction, quality of knitted fabrics and articles, application of new spinning technologies in the wool industry, and the upgrading of linen. In addition, prominent industrialists and Commission officials presented papers concerned with the present situation and the prospects for textile manufacture in the Community. Possible future research topics were outlined and the need was stressed for an increase in the amount of research and development to be carried out."

This hardbound volume covers Symposia J 'Light-Weight Materials for Transportation' and E 'Material Aspects for Electric Vehicles including Batteries and Fuel Cells' which were presented at the combined 1997 International Conference on Applied Materials/European Materials Research Society Spring meeting (ICAM'97/E-MRS'97) held in Strasbourg (France) from 16-20 June 1997.

Modern materials are the basis for further progress in industry and in our life. Among them the light-advanced materials with desired ratios of weight/properties and cost/properties are of special value for transportation for almost all applications. Progress in this area depends on cooperation and development of metallurgy, casting and solidification techniques, plastic and superplastic deformation, heat and surface treatment. When dealing with common alloys there are well-defined materials with a wide data base available. However, designing materials based on composites still requires thorough research in order to establish data bases to avoid not only high costs, but also inefficient designs and less than optimal structures. But, however difficult and problematic the composites are they bear the inherent potential of new materials.

Materials science in the field of light materials is now transforming from an empirical approach to a more quantitative scientific stage. The revolution in materials has begun with the emergence of supercomputer simulation and computer-enhanced quantitative microscopic image analysis.

The advanced materials applied previously in the defence and aerospace area should expand over the commercial market including air transportation and civil engineering. The new generation of modern cars and trains as well as aircraft (Boeing 777) are good examples for the application of new materials.