Dear colleagues,

The LMT conference has become a biennial event hosted in a different country selected by the six members of the global light metals alliance, an alliance of the world‘s top light metal research centres. The 5th International Light Metal Technology Conference was held in Lüneburg, Germany from 19 July–22 July, 2011.

The research and scientific focus of the conference concentrated on aluminium, magnesium and titanium alloys as well as titanium aluminides. It provided an opportunity for researchers and industry to learn of new developments in light metals technology and to facilitate collaboration between domestic and international specialists in the field. It was a great opportunity for those involved in the light metals industry in Germany to learn about the latest developments in light metals research conducted worldwide.

The LMT conference cut across conventional S&T boundaries by concentrating on light metals technology rather than general aspects of metallurgy. The conference focus was on leading edge technologies that were being developed by researchers in cooperation with industry partners. We were happy to welcome approximately 150 delegates from over 20 countries  to the conference, which had a mix of ~ 40% domestic and 60% international delegates.

LMT2011 attracted leaders and decision makers from industry, government, universities and public research organisations committed to advancing the application of light metals in everyday life. Representatives from the primary metal, automotive, aerospace, defense, biomedical and research sectors were only a few of those who attended the conference to discuss and present on the latest developments in the field.

It was my pleasure to welcome you to the LMT conference in Germany in 2011!

Karl Ulrich Kainer