After the 15th International Workshop held in Florence in September 2019, it has been decided to organize the 16th AITA 2021 in Venice with the main objectives to assess the state of the art of the technology in the Infrared bands and to present its most interesting applications. Regretfully, the AITA Organizing Committee has made the decision to postpone the face to face conference in Venice due to the persisting problems caused by the pandemic. However, we welcome your contributions for this online edition that is intended to keep the flame of the AITA Conference alive.