Final Activity Report Summary - DIMAT2004 (Organisation of DIMAT 2004; 6th International Conference on Diffusion in Materials) Changes in the structure of materials and their relation to physical and mechanical properties are the primary interest of the physical metallurgists and materials engineers. Most of the changes in the structure occur by thermally activated mass and charge transport through the matter. This process, called diffusion, plays a key role in the kinetics of many microstructural changes occurring during processing of materials. Direct technological applications concern diffusion doping during fabrication of microelectronic devices, solid electrolytes for batteries and fuel cells, surface hardening of materials, nanotechnology, diffusion joining, hot pressing and sintering.DIMAT conferences have undergone a continuous evolution. In the first two events organised by Prof. D. Beke in Hungary in 1982 and in 1988, the largest part, nearly 70 % was devoted to diffusion coefficient measurements. In Kyoto in 1992 (Prof. M. Koiwa) and in Münster in 1996 (Prof. H. Mehrer) this part was decreased below 30% while contributions related to complex processes grew up to 20%. In Paris in 2000 Professors Y. Limoge and J. L. Bocquet inspired further broadening of conference topics.The '6th international conference on diffusion in materials' DIMAT 2004 was the largest worldwide event gathering all the specialists and researchers working in this field of materials science. Researchers had an opportunity to exchange their views and ideas with colleagues investigating the different aspects of diffusion behaviour. Thus, the DIMAT 2004 Conference strongly promoted an interdisciplinary approach in materials science.DIMAT 2004 covered new challenges associated with structural, multifunctional and intelligent materials, nanotechnology and biotechnology, in which research of the role of diffusion as the mastering process is of a vital importance. Therefore, the scientific originality of the Conference was determined by combining the classical issues and new cutting-edge subjects. In this way, the Conference may be recognised as a significant step forward in this field of materials science.260 participants from 30 countries gathered in Krakow: 64 from Poland, 47 from Germany, 29 from France, 19 Japan, 15 Russia, 13 Ukraine, 10 Hungary and 64 from other countries. They delivered 63 invited talks, 104 lectures and 164 poster presentations. The programme was divided into the following thematic sessions:-Fundamentals of Diffusion- Tools for Diffusion Studies and Modelling- Main Classes of Materials- Spatially Limited Media- Diffusion-controlled Processes- Reactive Diffusion- Corrosion- Electronics and Electrochemistry- Diffusion in Nanoscale- New Challenges- Young Scientists SessionOne of the main goals of the conference was to provide the high level training to young researchers. It was done by inviting the best speakers in the field and special Session for Young Scientists was organised. The poster session (open to the participants during three days of the conference) also gave the young participants the opportunity of the more informal discussion with the leading scientists. Almost a half of participants were in the range of 0-10 years of research experience and 63 of them were fully supported by the EC in the frame of the Marie-Curie action, namely Large Scientific Conference. They presented 54 lectures and 64 posters. The best lectures and posters were awarded. All 63 young participants got the certificates of the attendance in DIMAT2004 and the winners' diplomas.The conference website www.dimat2004.agh.edu.pl was formed and launched before the conference. 191 contributions were accepted, after the reviewing procedure, for publication in the Special Issue of Defects and Diffusion Data edited by Trans Tech Publication (Switzerland) and should be ready in the half of the year 2005. Moreover, the volume will be distributed not only to the participants but also to all the subscribers over the world.
