Nanotechnology is of national importance to the UK but the methodology for developing new technologies needs to be streamlined. These were some of the conclusions from a survey which asked leading research scientists about the opportunities and barriers for UK-based nanotechnology.

Published in February, this theme issue of Corrosion Engineering, Science and Technology is dedicated to examining the effect climate change and global warming may have on the corrosion of metals used in infrastructure. Guest editors, Professor B. Valdez Salas and Professor M. Schorr Wiener from the Institute of Engineering, University of Baja California, Mexico, commissioned a series of papers to review the range of research in this underexplored area.

The latest issue of the journal Tribology: Materials, Surfaces & Interfaces presents a selection of papers on the theme of nanotechnology. Edited by Professor Dr Ing Wilfried Bartz (Technische Akademie Esslingen, Germany) and Professor Anne Neville and Dr Tomasz Liskiewicz (University of Leeds, UK), the issue comprises contributions on the tribological behaviour of nanostructured materials and thin films, including interaction with lubricants, and mechanical and surface characterisation at the micro- and nano-scale.

Celebrating their 10th anniversary this year, the Plastics Industry Awards have been relaunched for 2010

The Starpack Industry Awards, the pre-eminent UK awards scheme for packaging design and innovation, are open for entries until 28 May.

Call for entries now open for the 2010 Davidge Medal; an annual prize for the best literature review by a PhD student on an innovative topic in ceramics. It commemorates the distinguished contributions to the science and application of ceramics made by the late Roger Davidge (1936 -97). The Medal is open to postgraduates studying for a materials science and engineering related qualification at any academic institution worldwide. Initial submissions are due by Friday 30 April 2010.