ICUMSA News n°67 – December 2010

Message from the President

ICUMSA 27th Session – Berlin 2010

 The 27th Session of ICUMSA was opened by Mr Norbert Quinkert, The Head of the Technology Foundation of Berlin and took place at the Berlin Swissotel on 12th and 13th July. It was attended by 64 delegates from 20 different countries, including observers from Spain for the first time. Eleven Referees presented their reports together with presentations from Associate Referees on related topics. There was also Poster Presentations and a Suppliers Exhibition providing information on some of the latest analytical equipment.

The attendees also enjoyed an evening reception at the lakeside villa of renowned German artist Max Liebermann.

Postal Ballot

Following the Session a postal ballot took place to address two outstanding issues. These concerned which of the two Conductivity methods in the Methods Book should receive Official (Reference) status and also a proposal to limit the length of term served by Officers of ICUMSA to four years (before re-election).

All of the National Committees that responded agreed to the recommendations as stated.

Plans for the 28th Session

Planning has commenced to stage the next ICUMSA Session in the historical university city of Cambridge in the east of England. The provisional dates for the next meeting are 16th and 17th July 2012; these will be confirmed over the coming months.

The plan is to hold the meeting at Downing College in their state-of-the-art Howard Lecture Theatre. The college can also offer accommodation for the delegates so attendees can get the true “Cambridge Experience”.

Finally I would like to wish everyone involved with ICUMSA season’s greetings and best wishes for 2011.

Geoff Parkin

President, ICUMSA