With this proceedings volume a new series of publications is started which will present the results of interdisciplinary research activities in the fields of materials science, coupling of biological and electronic systems and commu­ nication ergonomy. It will contain the contributions of the participants of the caesarium, a conference caesar will organize annually. The 1 st caesarium was held in Bonn on November 17-19, 1999 concentrating on Smart Materials. With the caesarium the recently founded research center caesar (center of advanced european studies and research) creates a forum for discussion of new developments in its fields of activities. caesar is an international research center, focusing on applied, interdisciplinary research projects in the areas of science and engineering. It was established as an independent foundation under private law as part of the compensatory actions under the Berlin/Bonn law of April 26, 1994 to support the structural change in the region of Bonn, when the German Government moved from Bonn to Berlin. The main donors of caesar are the Federal Republic of Germany and the State of North Rhine-Westphalia. A Board consisting of state and federal leg­ islators, members from the research community and industry and a Scientific Advisory Council assist caesar in all decisions concerning administration and research.