This special issue contains 14 contributions based on presentations given at the “CLUSPOM-1” workshop held in Rennes, France from June 29th to July 2nd 2016 (http://scienceschimiques.univ-rennes1.fr/theo/cluspom/Welcome.html). CLUSPOM-1 was a hybrid meeting created by the merging of the International Workshop on Metal Atom Clusters (Rennes 2008, Rostock 2010, Benicassim 2012, and Novosibirsk 2014) and the Franco-Siberian Workshop on Metal Atom Clusters and POM Chemistries (Rennes 2013, Novosibirsk 2014). CLUSPOM-1 was also a satellite meeting of the 42nd International Conference on Coordination Chemistry (ICCC 2016) held in Brest, France, July 3rd–8th 2016.

The main objective was to build bridges between metal atom cluster chemistries and polyoxometalate (POM) chemistries. This will hopefully enable the creations of new fields of research to bring real breakthroughs and innovations in molecular synthesis, self-assembly processes, surface assembly and immobilization into composite materials and integrated-molecular based systems for various applications. The long-term scientific challenge is the design of innovative inorganic hybrid based-materials for applications across fields like energy (storage and conversion), green chemistry and processes, improved health (both curative and diagnostic), pollution control, eco-conception, reductions of the environmental impact of chemicals, solar cells, biofuels, electronics, information technology and nanotechnologies.

People from all across the world attended the workshop (Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Chile, France, Germany, Lebanon, India, Japan, Italy, Spain, Romania, Russia, UK, US, Taiwan…). Presentations included two keynote lectures, 15 invited communications and 59 oral communications. Along with presentations from distinguished scholars, a special effort was made to engage young researchers and Ph.D. students.

This conference was supported by University of Rennes 1, Rennes Métropole, University of Versailles, Région Bretagne, University Bretagne and Pays de la Loire, INSA-Rennes (Institut National Sciences Appliquées), Ecole Nationale Supérieure de Chimie de Rennes (ENSCR), International Associated Laboratory France-Russia (LIA-1144-CLUSPOM), Springer, PerkinElmer, PFEIFFER, NETZSCH, COHERENT. CLUSPOM-1 was certified as a special event of the fiftieth year of France-Russia collaboration by the French Embassy in Moscow.

The next meeting of CLUSPOM, CLUSPOM-2, is planned for 2019 and will be organized by Manfred Scheer and will be held in Regensburg, Germany.