April sees the launch of Spring SciX in Glasgow, UK, a four-day conference building on the success of the established US-based SciX series. Session topics include molecular spectroscopy, biomedical and bioanalytical science and infrared Raman, and provide early career researchers with the opportunity to present their research and vision for the analytical sciences. Kicking off with a plenary speech by ‘food fighter’ Chris Elliott (Queen’s University Belfast), session chairs include Glen Jackson (West Virginia University), Karen Faulds (Strathclyde University) and Sophie Bailes (AstraZeneca). Duncan Graham, part of the organizing committee, says the idea has been brewing for some time: “Mike George (University of Nottingham) and I had spoken separately to various people at SciX about a possible UK meeting. We had a shared vision and when Mike got the governing board of FACSS (the organization behind SciX) to support the new conference, we decided to make it a reality.”
The committee believes that it is important to support scientists in the early stages of their careers. “The parent meeting in North America is large and an excellent conference but we felt there was an opportunity for FACSS to support a meeting focused on early career researchers,” says Graham. “Whether in academia or industry, these researchers are the future of science. We want to provide an opportunity for them to contribute to the knowledge base, and to start building networks that will last a lifetime.” Over 200 visitors are expected at this inaugural meeting, and delegates will enjoy a welcome reception hosted by the City of Glasgow Council in the city chambers, an evening poster session, a gala dinner and constant networking opportunities in the exhibition space. Spring SciX will be held April 17–20 at the Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, Scotland: www.springscix.org
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