Since Hermann Staudinger recognized the existence of macromolecules in the second decade of 1900 and understood that they derive from the union of many relatively simple constitutional units, the pace of development of knowledge on polymers has been very fast. Synthetic polymers have become such an integral part of our daily life that we don't realize how much we depend on them. Polymer science is a constantly developing scientific discipline, ensuring new applications in the most varied sectors, such as medicine, biotechnology, optoelectronics, conservation of cultural heritage, semiconductors, just to mention a few. The environmental concern associated to the massive use of polymers is presently recognized. On the other hand, it is also equally recognized that polymer science can provide useful solutions for sustainable growth and environment protection. The urgent need to communicate and share the knowledge progressively acquired in all the above cited sectors of polymer science is evident. Like all the members of the scientific committee of the Milan Polymer Days congress series, we are well aware of this need and since the first 2017 edition we have proposed the most general topics for the scientific contributions of the participants, such as synthesis, assembly, characterization, simulation and processing of complex macromolecular architectures with advanced techniques. We are also aware that disseminating scientific knowledge to diverse audiences is the challenge of our time, because only highly educated societies can progress harmoniously in terms of wealth and equality. Accordingly, we know that bridging the gap between academic and industrial research is mandatory to facilitate the exploitation of the results of academic research.
Our research group, made up of university professors active in the field of polymer science, is engaged in scientific communication addressed to three different types of audiences:

• academic and industrial researchers (conventional scientific communication)

• students of different levels of learning (education)

• society at the large (popular communication).

To be effective, these different kinds of communication must necessarily be interconnected and integrated. Moreover, all representatives of the various types of audiences to which our communication is addressed are expected to actively contribute to it. The new structure of the Milan Polymer Days website reflects this approach. Our goal is to create a platform to reach different audiences and gather a MIPOL community interested in sharing information about "what is happening in polymer science" from different perspectives. To achieve this goal, we have organized different kinds of activities, as follows.

• Congress. Keeping alive the consolidated tradition of annually organizing the Milan Polymer Days international congress. The aim is to share the current knowledge in all fields of polymer science and technology and bring together polymer scientists and technologists both from industry and academy. What can we do better? We are open to all suggestions helping both to identify new topics of interest and to widen participation of industrial researchers.

• Blog. Sharing and discussing news and articles on major achievements in polymer science and technology. The target audience is not only the scientific community, but any people, even an occasional reader, who is science curios and wishes to be updated on the progress of scientific knowledge and technological discoveries of the polymer industry.

• Talking with the scientist. Releasing live informal interviews to eminent scientists on topics concerning polymers and their applications in daily life. The target audience is the general public. The objective is to raise the interest and awareness of people on all aspects of polymer science and technology and to facilitate the interaction of the public with scientists.

• Learning polymer science. A dedicated section of the MIPOL website will present the structure of education on polymer science available at the University of Milan. In it you can find information on training activities for students of different levels of learning, or seminars and refresher courses for high school teachers. Why not get in touch to share experiences and ask for information?

• Our research projects. An open door to welcome you to our home, a way to share our current research lines and stimulate new collaborations.