Center for Advanced Materials and Smart Structures co-sponsored the International Symposium on Advances in Superconductivity & Magnetism: Materials, Mechanisms & Devices (ASSMM2D) held in Mangalore (India) on September 25-28, 2001. Dr. D. Kumar was invited speaker presenting ýTunable magnetic properties of self-assembled metal nano dots in thin film matricesý (D. Kumar, J. Narayan, T.K. Nath, A.V. Kvit and J. Sankar).

The field of electron correlation in condensed matter, particularly magnetism and superconductivity, remains a dynamic area in condensed matter physics with continual discoveries of new and exciting phenomena, novel materials and with increasing demand for novel devices for sophisticated technological applications. The rapid developments in the field necessitate the need for a common forum to discuss new issues and exchange ideas amongst the international scientific and engineering communities. The organization of this International Symposium on "Advances in Superconductivity and Magnetism: Materials, Mechanisms and Devices (ASMM2D-2001)", organized by Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) jointly with Mangalore University, is aimed to fulfill this need. The present Symposium, second in the series of meetings organized by TIFR, (the first one - ASMCCD 1996 - held as a part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of TIFR) focuses on novel effects in superconductivity, recent understandings of the physics of the vortex state, development of new materials, physics of strongly correlated electron systems, new physics of colossal magnetoresistance, and nanostructures with emphasis on devices and applications. The Symposium programme offers plenary lectures and invited talks by leading researchers in their respective fields, besides a captivating colloquium. The Symposium has attracted a very good response from academics by way of scientific contributions to the Symposium programme. As a short deviation from the intense technical discussions, a cultural evening and a banquet are arranged.

The Symposium is being held at the pleasant environs of Mangalore University Campus which is located on a picturesque hilly region known as Mangalagangothri about 20 km from the tranquil city of Mangalore. Mangalore has excellent beaches, diverse educational institutions and a rich cultural heritage. Many places of tourist attractions are within easy reach from Mangalore.