Dear INO participants,

Welcome to the first International Nanotechnology Olympiad (INO). I hope you have a valuable experience as well as a pleasant time during  your stay in the INO2018 camp.

Nanoscience and nanotechnology is a flourishing field spreading and diffusing to various dimensions of people's life with significant social,  environmental and economic aspects. This technology promises many solutions to tackle globally important issues including water and  environment. For sure, the role of targeted research for solving problems by creative ideas especially by young researchers is an important  issue, which is the core concept of the INO.

Academic institutions around the world, have recognized this need and are implementing various programs to deal with this matter. However, there is still a considerable gap between students' skills and the real world requirements. INO is a move towards filling the mentioned gap. It pursues its goal through a competition, which helps in building motivation and enhancing knowledge and experience of students. Another aim of the INO is to build a network of enthusiastic experts, at academic, industry and entrepreneurial spheres, willing to contribute to enhancing nanotechnology education.   

This year we are taking the first step of this important move, which hopefully will have a positive impact at a global level in future. A large enthusiastic team along with the steering committee has been working for more than 18 months to design, plan and implement the program. Nevertheless, this is the first step in a learning journey, which we all need to go ahead with the help of each other, and for sure needs further improvements.   

We consider the students participating in the first round of the event as not just participants but also contributors to the INO by provision of their valuable feedback. This is for sure the case for judges, mentors and teams' supervisors as well.  

I need to thank sincerely all steering committee members, INO supporting institutions, participating teams, their supervisors, their mentors, and their supporting organizations, and also all judges who have kindly accepted to evaluate teams' works. Last but not the least is the team in the INO permanent and executive secretariats who have tried much to make this program happen. I also need to mention that holding this years' event was not possible without great help and support of Iran Nanotechnology Innovation Council (INIC).

Finally, I wish a great success and fruitful outcome for the event.

Prof. Ali Beitollahi