"SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF '!HE UNDEROLED MELT" This title was chosen as the topical headline of the Advanced Research Workshop (ARW) from March 17 to 22 1985, held at the Castle of Theuern. The usual term "Rapid Solidification" is an overlapping description. Due to the fact that nucleation is so eminently important for the undercooling of a melt and this, in turn, is an important characteristic of rapid solidifi­ cation, undercooling plays an essential role in "rapid solidification." The undercooled melt has caused an "accelerated evolution" (if not a revolution) in materials science during the last decade. Several rather exciting concepts with interesting potential for novel applications are being pursued presently in various laboratories and companies. They concern not only new processes and ha~ware developments, but also present chal­ lenging perspectives for ventures, including the founding of new companies; or they promise growth possibilities with established larger and smaller industrial establishments.