Liquid crystals are a distinct fourth state of matter and are commonly found around us in several diverse areas including technology (TV screens, computer screens and thermometers), soaps and natural systems such as cell membranes, but few people are aware of this delicate state.

I will introduce what liquid crystals are, where they meet organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) and how my own work on emissive, liquid crystalline gold(III) complexes fits into the wider context.