Possible solutions included using password protected preset programs on the mill. But the operator can still open the mill lid and stop the milling cycle too early. This can cause the particle size of the unknown samples to differ from that of the calibration standards. The discussion was concluded with the suggestion of conducting an informal round robin for chromite samples. All members of the Society are entitled to nominate suitable candidates for these awards.
Candidates are normally resident in South Africa.
The Strasheim Award, a handsome trophy, was instituted in honour of Prof. Albertus Strasheim, founder and first president of the Society, on the occasion of his retirement. The award is presented on an annual basis at the discretion of the central committee to recognise significant contributions to spectroscopy in South Africa. A substantial cash prize and certificate is awarded annually to recognise and reward a scientist, teacher, student or assistant who has achieved distinction in any branch of spectroscopy.