With the first School on "Elastomers" in 2001, the European Polymer Federation (EPF) has undertaken a new task in the educational area, aiming at the creation of a European standard in Polymer Science and Technology teaching. The EPF Schools will supply an updated tutorial approach to the most recent and fast developing areas on which rationalised and comprehensive overviews are not yet available. Moreover, the educational approach will be available to all students and teachers worldwide, through a series of electronic books in English language edited from the lectures of the School. By launching this initiative, EPF fulfils once more its mission to make national achievements available europewide. The 2011 School addresses basic aspects and recent advances in polymer processing, science and technology. Processing is a key step in polymer materials preparation and use, which importance and scientific aspects have been underestimated for a long time. Indeed, processing doesn't only provide formulations through proper suitable mixing and/or the desired shape to final products, but also plays a fundamental role in determining the durability of the material. This is due to the fact that polymer processing is not a mere physical mechanical operation. Indeed, it involves chemical modifications of the polymer being an organic molecule exposed to thermal, mechanical, chemical environments, capable of chemically modifying the polymer. Uncontrolled degradation of the polymer structure can strongly reduce the lifetime of polymer materials that we have learned to avoid by using effective stabilisers. On the other hand, the understanding of the chemical nature of polymer processing is opening a new approach to synthesis of new polymer materials by what is called "reactive processing" which provides a very versatile, environmentally friendly, cheap and flexible route to modification and enhancement of polymer properties to create new multifunctional polymer materials. Furthermore, the evolution of surface modification technologies allowing nanoengineering of surface polymer structure and properties, supplies to polymer scientists and engineers a rich reservoir of further methods to tailor processing to ever increasing materials demands by new developing technologies. The School will be of particular interest to polymer scientists and engineers dealing with polymer materials production and processing, academic research, industrial R&D and applications. The School will also be of interest to marketing and technical assistance sectors as well as to teachers. The residential character of the School in the beautiful environment of Palazzo Feltrinelli on Lake Garda will supply the informal and relaxed atmosphere for a fruitful exchange of ideas among lecturers and attendees all the week long.