Geometric and energetic heterogeneities constitute a fundamental feature of solid surfaces and are of great interest in the study of adsorption. There is also evidence that these effects play an important role in catalysis, but their importance in catalysis is not well understood.
To share and broaden our understanding of the phenomena involved we have organized a series of symposia devoted specially to the influence of surface heterogeneity on adsorption and catalysis. Over the years these have served as a forum for an intensive exchange of ideas, opinions, and theoretical approaches defining the state of the art and fostering progress in this field.