Solitons and symmetries

This article serves as an introduction to the special edition of Solitons a nd Symmetries in the Journal of Engineering Mathematics. Solitons, by their mathematical nature, are deeply connected to underlying symmetries of nonl inear equations. Described in this introduction is an historical and applic ations overview, with special emphasis directed at the technologically inte resting field of soliton communications in fibre optics. A brief discussion of the papers contained in this special edition is included.