material. The last decade has witnessed a growing interest in the study of surfaces and how the surface behaviour couples with that of the bulk to determine the overall system response. The papers in this proceedings cover: extension of continuum mechanics and thermodynamics to the nano-scale; multiscale simulations; surface effects in monolithic nano-scale elements and nanostructures; mechanical and physical properties of nanomaterials and heterostructures; self-assembly, etc. The surface stress effect is inherently a multidisciplinary and fertile field; the Symposium truly reflects these features. This IUTAM Symposium was also dedicated to Professor Bhushan L Karihaloo of Cardiff University on his impending retirement, in recognition of his contributions to the fields of solid mechanics and nanomechanics, and to IUTAM activities in general.