Electron microscopy and diffraction of defects, nanostructures, interfaces and amorphous materials Conference to mark the retirement of Professor David Cockayne FRS Oxford, 7 September 2009

Professor D.J.H. Cockayne F.R.S. retired on 30^th September 2009 from his Chair in the Physical Examination of Materials in the University of Oxford. To mark this occasion a one day conference was organised in Oxford on 7^th September 2009. The topic of the meeting was “Electron microscopy and diffraction of defects, nanostructures, interfaces and amorphous materials”, reflecting David Cockayne's broad research interests. It was divided into the following three sessions covering the main scientific areas in which he had made seminal contributions:

1. Weak beam technique of electron microscopy of defects;

2. Applications of electron diffraction to the study of amorphous and crystalline materials;

3. Characterisation of nanoscale structures and interfaces.

In addition to the 13 papers in these sessions, there was an introductory paper which outlined David Cockayne's career, highlighted some of his seminal researches, and described his outstanding contributions to the promotion, dissemination and teaching of electron microscopy. The conference ended with a dinner at Linacre College, and an amusing after dinner speech by Professor Colin Humphreys.

The conference was a great success. It was attended by over one hundred participants, many of them from overseas, demonstrating the high esteem and affection in which David Cockayne is held universally. The papers stimulated lively discussions. The current special issue of Philosophical Magazine contains all but one of the papers presented at the conference.

The organisers wish to express their gratitude to JEOL and Gatan for their generous support.