Foreword

Encouraged by the success of the 1 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">st</sup> and 2 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">nd</sup> IEEE International NanoElectronics Conference (INEC) held in Singapore in 2006 and Shanghai in 2008, the 3 <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">rd</sup> INEC is held in City University of Hong Kong from January 3 to 8, 2010. Extensive research on nanomaterials has unveiled many interesting and promising materials properties for novel applications in electronics, photonics, and biology. In order to benefit mankind for such discoveries, it is necessary to cross the chasm between nanomaterials and nanodevices and their applications. This effort requires a multi-disciplinary approach combining research in materials design, processing, modeling, characterization, and metrology. Commercialization of nanotechnology is also important to fuel future research. The aim of this conference is to identify the paths between fundamental research and potential electronic, photonic, and biological applications. INEC2010 provides a forum for international academics, researchers, practitioners, and students working in the areas of nanofabrication, nanoelectronics, nanophotonics, and nanobiology to discuss new developments, concepts, and practices, and to identify future research needs so that nano-research can be brought closer to its immense potential.