Several topics ranging from crystalline ionic conductors, glasses, polymeric materials to proton conductors are discussed. Characterization techniques such as NMR and XPS and synthesis techniques such as sol–gel are emphasized. Some coverage of superconductors is also included. The proceedings of such an interdisciplinary conference would not be complete without a discussion on applications. Results based on the fabrication of fuel cells, solid state batteries, sensors and electrochromic displays are therefore presented.