The first conference on what became the SCTE series was organized by André Michel in Paris in 1965. It was intended to deal with the preparation and Propriétés Thermodynamiques, Physiques et Structurales des Dérivés Semi-Métalliques. The results of experimental as well as theoretical investigations were reported by inorganic chemists, physicists, and crystallographers. Originally, the emphasis was on compounds of the transition metals, the rare earth elements, and the actinoids with the main group elements S, Se, Te, N, P, As, Sb, C, Si, Ge, Sn, and boron. Work on oxides and halides was presented only occasionally. Over the years this has changed gradually. Now investigations of oxides comprise some 10 to 20 % of all reports, especially investigations of compounds with small band gaps and interesting physical properties. The emphasis is shifting from fundamental research to investigations with a view on applications.