In recognition of Helmut Alexander's achievements in understanding the structure and properties of extended defects in semiconductors, the International Advisory Committee of EDS dedicated a Best Poster Award to this eminent scientist. The Helmut Alexander Award will be given to the best poster presented by a young scientist. The selection is made by an international committee. The award will carry a prize of 250 € and will be handed over during the EDS Conference Dinner. We encourage all early career scientists (within ten years of award of doctorate) who will present a poster at EDS-2012 to apply for the Helmut Alexander Award at the Conference registration desk.