Pattern formation is a widespread phenomenon observed in physical, chemical and biological systems. During the past decades, powerful experimental and theoretical tools for the investigation of that phenomenon have been developed. Also, the set of pattern forming system was diversified. The present issue presents a panorama of pattern formation and other nonlinear dynamical phenomena in different natural and engineering systems. Special attention is paid to nonlinear dynamics of fluids. Non-equilibrium phenomena in chemical and quantum systems are also considered. This article is part of the theme issue 'New trends in pattern formation and nonlinear dynamics of extended systems'.
Keywords: extended systems; nonlinear dynamics; pattern formation.