This was the third meeting in the series of special topical conferences
on Non-Metallic materials at low temperatures. The first meeting was in
Munich in 1978, the second in Geneva (1980) and so Heidelberg 1984
seemed an obvious time to review some of the hopes and objectives of the
earlier meetings. It is also appropriate to consider the changing needs
of the cryogenic community and how best the theory and practice of
Non-metallic materials can be applied to suit this dynamic young
science. The aims and objectives of the International Cryogenic
Materials Board in sponsoring this meeting remain the same. Namely, to
provide a forum where practicing Engineers can meet with materials
suppliers and researchers in an attempt to ensure that a real
understanding exists between the two sides of the Cryogenic Materials
Community. In this atmosphere, real problems can be addressed together
with full discussions of tried and tested practical solutions. It is in
this way that knowledge and confidence may grow hand in hand with the
logical growth of the industry.