Book excerpt: Laser and Ion Beam Modification of Materials is a compilation of materials from the proceedings of the symposium U: Material Synthesis and Modification by Ion beams and Laser Beams. This collection discusses the founding of the KANSAI Science City in Japan, and the structures, equipment, and research projects of two institutions are discussed pertaining to eV-MeV ion beams. A description of ion beams as used in materials research and in manufacturing processes, along with trends in ion implantation technology in semiconductors, is discussed. Research into ion beams by China and its industrial uses in non-semiconductor area is noted. For industrial applications, developing technology in terms of high speed, large surface modifications and use of high doses is important. Thus, the development of different ion beam approaches is examined. Industrial applications of ion and laser processing are discussed as cluster beams are used in solid state physics and chemistry. Mention is made on a high power discharge pumped solid state physics (ArF) excimer laser as a potential light source for better material processing. Under ion beam material processing is nanofabrication using focused ion beams, important for research work in mesoscopic systems. Progress in the use of ion-beam mixing using kinetic energy of ion-beams to mingle with pre-deposited surface layers of substrate materials has shown promise. Advanced materials researchers and scientists, as well as academicians in the field of nuclear physics, will find this collection helpful.