Editorial: themed issue

In order to popularize and promote teaching of solid-state chemistry in the country, an Indian Association of Solid State Chemists and Allied Scientists (ISCAS) was established on 4 March 1998 with its headquarters at Jammu University campus.Since its inception, the society has been doing various types of academic activities such as workshops, seminars, invited lectures, and so on.The association has been successful in bringing together on one platform the practitioners of solid-state chemistry and allied areas in the country.It has served the subject and the scientists working in this area in many ways. Establishment of ISCAS Institute of Solid State and MaterialsScience at Jammu University is one of such unique efforts.The society organizes national conferences biannually, as well as seminars, symposia and workshops at various locations in India.The growth of ISCAS has been phenomenal and we are sure that with the cooperation of researchers, teachers and students, the society will achieve its objective.Solid-state chemistry is a backbone of materials science.Research on advanced materials makes a strong connection between different fields in basic science, engineering and medical science.