The forthcoming single-day Bunsen-Kolloquium in Rostock is putting a spotlight on recent developments in the research on complex liquids and molecular aggregates. It is aimed to discuss the most recent experimental methods, theoretical approaches and simulations leading to better understanding of the association of molecular systems in bulk fluid phases, at fluid interfaces and in the gas phase.

Complex solvents based on ionic liquids, molecular liquids, or "Deep Eutectic Solvents" have high application potential. Properties such as a wide liquid range, low vapor pressure, a broad electrochemical window, and the adjustable polarity make them attractive for chemical processes and as electrolyte systems in electrochemical storage media. Recently, it has been demonstrated that many of these properties can be controlled specifically through competing interactions, such as hydrogen bonding or dispersion interactions, and the resulting formation of associates. The impact and effects of these specific molecular aspects of intermolecular interactions are the topic of the meeting.

With this meeting we would particularly like to honour Prof. Dr. Ralf Ludwig with his many important achievements in this field. We are pleased that the Deutsche Bunsen-Gesellschaft accepted the meeting as part of its prestigeous Bunsen-Kolloquium series of meetings.