ZnO is attracting considerable attention for its possible application to UV light emitters, spin functional devices, gas sensors, transparent electronics and surface acoustic wave devices. There is also interest in integrating ZnO with other wide bandgap ceramic semiconductors such as the AlInGaN system. In this paper we summarize recent progress in doping control, materials processing methods such as dry etching and Ohmic and Schottky contact formation, new understanding of the role of hydrogen and finally the prospects for control of ferro-magnetism in transition-metal doped ZnO. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.