Molecules have for a long time been of central importance in chemistry as the basis on which all new products and materials have been designed, developed and interpreted. Since the discovery and characterization of active biomolecules, biology has also been transformed into a molecular science. With the new developments of molecular devices, single-molecule spectroscopy, time-resolved x-ray diffraction and the study of mass-selected clusters in molecular beams, materials science and electronics may move in the same direction.

The understanding of molecules and the dynamics of their transition between isolated and assembled states rests on three pillars: structure, activity and function. Enormous progress has been made in the experimental study of molecules by diffraction and spectroscopic analysis, directed at all three of the basic aspects. In the process molecular scientists have developed efficient working models in terms of which to design and interpret their experiments. A vital feature of such models is an understanding of intra- and intermolecular cohesion and assembly, or chemical bonding. One challenging aspect is that the working models of chemistry are notoriously difficult to reduce to the fundamental theories of the physical sciences.

Indaba 5 will be aimed at the progress that is being made to achieve first-principle understanding of molecular science: structure and dynamics (that include bonding), activity and function. The symposium will be directed at all molecular scientists from chemistry, biology, physics, materials science and related fields such as crystallography, spectroscopy, catalysis and others. Special topics for discussion include nanomaterials, pharmaceuticals, polymorphism, supermolecules, disorder in crystals, novel geological niches, electron density and other marvels and myths, related to the manufacture of molecules.

Participation is unrestricted except for a limitation on the numbers due to the nature of the venue which can accommodate only 120 delegates. Preference will be given to presenters of original research and to students.

A limited number of IUCr-sponsored bursaries will be available for students and other young scientists, who are invited to apply for support, preferably by e-mail, with the recommendation of a supervisor or a senior colleague, to the Secretariat (thereza@technoscene.co.za). A preliminary registration including an abstract title must first be submitted and your registration number (supplied by the Secretariat on recept of the preliminary registration) should be quoted on all correspondence. Any support granted will be conditional on the acceptance by the Organising Committee of the abstract submitted by the delegate. The procedure for submitting abstracts will be published once finalised. Early submission of abstracts is encouraged for those delegates seeking support.