Advances in new, high-performance materials for structural and functional applications depend today on developments in materials processing, which allow for structural contol at atomic and molecular (nano- and micro-) scales. "Sol-gel" processing is one of the most efficient means of tailoring such properties, and opens the way for the development and production of novel high-technology materials. The primary objective of the Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology (JSST), the official journal of the International Sol-Gel Society (ISGS - http://www.isgs.org/), is to provide an international forum for the dissemination of scientific, technological, and general knowledge about materials processed by chemical nanotechnologies known as the "sol-gel" process. The materials of interest include gels, gel-derived glasses, ceramics in form of nano- and micro-powders, bulk, fibres, thin films and coatings as well as more recent materials such as hybrid organic-inorganic materials and composites. Such materials exhibit a wide range of optical, electronic, magnetic, chemical, environmental, and biomedical properties and functionalities. Methods for producing sol-gel-derived materials and the industrial uses of these materials are also of great interest.        JSST publishes original, not previously published, research and technological manuscripts in the form of extended reports. Occasionally, invited papers on scientific and technologically important issues in emerging fields of sol-gel materials are published as special issues. A Sol-Gel Product News section is also available for publication of short papers on products developed via chemical technology.   Since the middle of 2007, the journal has also introduced a new venue for publication of "Fast-Track Communications." This venue is reserved for rapid publication of novel developments of unusual significance to the sol-gel science and technology community which, in the judgement of the Editors, requires expedited handling beyond our usual efforts to publish all articles in a timely manner.        The journal also encourages recognized experts in the field to submit comprehensive, authoritative and readable reviews of general interest with high potential for a broad impact (see Instructions for Authors for further details).    The major topics of the journal include: Chemistry, physics, materials science and technology, sol-gel synthesis, processing techniques, etc Characterization of gels, aerogels, sol-gel derived glasses, ceramics, hybrids and composites Properties and performances of sol-gel materials in the fields of optics, magnetism, mechanics, chemistry, environmental science, biomedicine and biotechnology, etc Industrial applications. JSST is governed by an International Advisory Board consisting of experts in all of the above fields and in its day-to-day activities by five Editors.   .