(March 10-13, 2008) The International Center for Young Scientists (ICYS) and the International Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics (MANA) held a 4 day workshop and symposium from March 10 (Monday) to March 13 (Thursday), 2008. ICYS Workshop was held to highlight the many outstanding researchers who have worked at the ICYS since its establishment in September 2003 and the research results of ICYS alumni in completing the ICYS project at the end of March 2008. At the MANA Symposium,

achievements during the half-year period beginning in September 2007 and research plans for the future were announced. As a guest at the ICYS Workshop, Mr. Hiroshi Ikukawa, Director of the Strategic Programs Division, Science and Technology Policy Bureau, Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) delivered the opening greetings. Since the ICYS was launched in September 2003, it was received 81 researchers from 27 countries, and has also received 52 freshman researchers and researchers working under exploratory research grants from NIMS. At the MANA Symposium, 4 Senior Researchers from MANA's satellite research centers gave lectures. The entire 4 day period was characterized by spirited discussions. These events succeeded in impressing the many participants with the accomplishments of the two projects.

Total number of participants:191 MANA Symposium presenters: Senior researchers 18 Young researchers 10 ICYS Workshop presenters: Invited lectures 3 Oral presentations 34 Poster presentations 87