How many times has it been said that surface science has come of age? Rather than being a fledgling area of study, it is now patently clear that the investigation of solid surfaces and related interfacial problems is a unique field with profound implications for basic (dare one say academic!) scientific study and the understanding of materials. Surface science provides major support to many technologically ambitious industries. It is widely recognised that it underpins the fabrication of electronic devices but this also extends to any industry working in nanotechnology. Surface science makes significant contributions to product development and problem solving in many materials-based industries where surface finish, cleanliness, adhesion, wear or friction are important. An understanding of surface processes is vital in chemical industries because of the importance of heterogeneous catalysis and is likely to make major contributions to the growing optoelectronics and molecules sensing industries. In social terms, an improved understanding of surfaces will facilitate the development of better catalysts and sensors for improvement of our environment. Most recently, surface science has begun to make real contributions to the understanding of biological surfaces.