CNR-ISM (http://www.ism.cnr.it/en/) performs cutting-edge interdisciplinary research in the fields of physics, chemistry and materials science. The activities find applications in areas such as energy, environment, biological systems, electronic and magnetic devices, and cultural heritage. They range from theoretical modeling to development of prototypal devices, via the study of the processes involved, the preparation and functionalization of materials, the characterization of their structural and electronic properties and largely benefit from the in-house development of new instrumentation and new methodologies.