Proton transfer plays an important role in many biological processes, for example in photosynthesis and proton-activated bioluminescence. Furthermore, many technologies rely on proton conduction, including fuel cells, and certain batteries and electrochemical transistors.

Recently, there has been considerable progress in employing proton conduction in biocompatible materials for the development of sensing or stimulating devices that can interface with biological systems. Proton conduction in electrolytes for energy conversion and storage applications can be exploited in a wide range of temperatures using materials from polymers to ceramics. Thus, it is a common interest of various disciplines to understand and control proton transfer and transport in a wide range of systems and it will be useful to bridge the different scientific communities in a common ground for discussion.