The International Conference on Plasma Science (ICOPS) is an annual conference coordinated by the Plasma Science and Application Committee (PSAC) of the IEEE Nuclear & Plasma Sciences Society. The program of the 45th ICOPS covers both traditional areas of plasma science and new exploratory research areas. The conference offers an outstanding forum for scientists and engineers to learn further about some of the greatest advances in plasma science and technology in recent years and to discuss future directions of research.