  A short overview of laser-plasma acceleration of ions is presented. The focus
is on some recent experimental results and related theoretical work on advanced
regimes. These latter include in particular target normal sheath acceleration
using ultrashort low-energy pulses and structured targets, radiation pressure
acceleration of both thick and ultrathin targets, and collisionless shock
acceleration in moderate density plasmas. For each approach, open issues and
the need and potential for further developments are briefly discussed.
