MARC VIII Proceedings: Introduction

The Eighth International Conference on Methods and Applications of Radioanalytical Chemistry (MARC VIII) was held at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort, Kona, Hawaii, April 5–10, 2009, and was attended by 240 scientists representing 26 countries. A strong technical program, excellent new venue, and numerous social events led to another success in the MARC series of conferences. Since MARC I in 1987, this series of conferences has become the major international forum for presenting advances in radioanalytical chemistry and its applications, despite the somewhat remote location for many participants. The keen foresight of the MARC founding organizers to create a topical meeting dedicated to all aspects of radioanalytical chemistry was highlighted in MARC VIII with sessions covering a broad range of both long-standing and emerging technical areas. A wide variety of topics were covered in the scientific program of MARC VII including environmental radioactivity measurements, activation analysis, biology and medical applications, actinide analytical chemistry, radiation detectors and instrumentation, proliferation prevention and safeguards, treaty monitoring, and radionuclide measurements using mass spectrometry. A highlight of MARC VIII was the awarding of the Hevesy Medal to Dr. Richard Lindstrom of the National Institute of Standards and Technology for his lifetime achievements in applying neutron activation analysis to metrology. Over 350 presentations were given in both oral and poster sessions at the conference with over 190 of these submitted as full papers for the proceedings. As for previous conferences, all papers were peer-reviewed by at least two reviewers, as is the policy of the Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry. Although this was an arduous and time-consuming process, most of the papers were improved as a result of peer review. We cannot express enough appreciation to the many reviewers who helped in the editorial process, particularly those who willingly reviewed several papers. We want to express our sincere appreciation to the many people who helped organize MARC VIII. Jim Tanner served as Finance Chairman and kept us solvent in spite of the late venue change and extensive social program. Ned Wogman and Jim Elliston assisted in developing an outstanding program as assistant technical program chairs. Publicity Chair Harry Miley, assisted by co-Publicity Chair Robert Runkle assured MARC VIII was well advertised and had a diverse group of supporters. Richard Ragaini provided the liaison between the MARC VIII and the Northern California Section of the American Nuclear Society. The successful coordination of administrative activities including preand on-site registration was performed brilliantly by Conference Secretary Patti Wilson. Sherry Glover, Assistant Proceedings Chair, did an outstanding job collecting papers and organizing the proceedings. The MARC VIII website was expertly designed and maintained by Daniel Glover. A special thank you is due to Stephen Carpenter, the previous General Chair of the MARC Conference who routinely provided advice and assistance critical to the success of MARC VIII. Finally, a special word of appreciation is due to the outstanding staff of the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort, in particular Mary Jane Stancil and Stephen Waldmann who were extremely helpful in coordinating the move to the new venue and very responsive to our extensive needs. Many members of the Technical Program Committee, and others, made special efforts to develop the excellent S. Glover (&) University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, USA e-mail: seg3@cdc.gov