This year's celebrity Egon Matijevic was born ninety years ago in the Croatian town of Otocac. He was educated in Croatia, where he started his extraordinary scientific career. After postdoctoral studies in England, Matijevic moved to the USA, where he joined Clarkson College of Technology (presently Clarkson University) in Potsdam, N.Y. Egon has stayed with Clarkson contributing significantly to the University, especially within the Department of Chemistry both in teaching and in research in the field of colloid chemistry. As a colloid chemist Egon was involved in examining physicochemical properties of colloids and interfaces, in several aspects of application and especially in the development of new methods for the preparation of well defined uniform particles. At present, his main focus lies in the application of colloidal systems in medicine. Egon Matijevic is a prominent scientist and his achievements have been recognized by the scientific community worldwide, being the recipient of numerous prestigious awards. The enthusiasm and spirit of Egon Matijevic is exceptional and we wish him to continue enjoying science and the art of living for many years to come. (c) 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.