Ultrathin layers: Innovation through research

Essay: Wetting, adhesion, biocompatibility, membrane‐ and sensor applications, lubrication, corrosion resistance, and microlithography are all effects which can be strongly influenced by the molecular architecture of the organic solids involved. The synthetic methods employed and the analytical tools that have been developed for the study of these systems have formed the basis of an interdisciplinary project funded jointly by the German Ministry for Research and Technology (BMFT) and Industry. The basis of the project and its aims are introduced and the following articles describe the most recent progress made.