The Polymers 2009 conference assembles an international community for the presentation of recent advances in polymer synthesis, physical characterization, and performance in several complementary emerging technologies. Polymers continue to enable many emerging technologies including tissue regeneration, drug and gene delivery, biomedical technologies, alternate energy, smart surfaces and interfaces, and electro-active devices. In most instances, these technologies require responsive polymers, and polymer design for intelligent response to external stimuli represents an exciting frontier. Lectures dealing with self-healing and shape memory will identify critical design parameters. There is an over-arching need for these technological solutions of the future to also adhere to the principles of earth sustainability. Recent advances in ionic liquids and agricultural based feed stocks are extending performance and decreasing our dependence on petroleum-based monomers. This conference will present recent advances in the design of multifunctional polymers, including both synthetic and biological systems. Supramolecular chemistry including the investigation of electrostatic interactions, multiple hydrogen bonding, and metal-ligand interactions will be described. Moreover, the conference will provide mechanisms for professional networking through evening poster sessions and the participation of industrial, national laboratory, and academic scientists and engineers. The program also will ensure an integration of polymer design with recent advances in polymer characterization techniques with a focus on morphological structure and correlation of structure with properties and performance. This conference will be preceded with a Gordon Research Seminar (GRS) for the first time, which will allow our future scientific leaders to network and meet our current leaders in both academia and industry. Outstanding lectures and posters from the GRS will be identified and highlighted in the subsequent conference.