Nearly 250 international leaders in the field of cyclotron particle accelerators gathered in Vancouver a few weeks ago at a global workshop hosted by TRIUMF. The 20th International Conference on Cyclotrons and their Applications was held September 16-20 and featured developments in the science and engineering of cyclotron technologies as well as the applications of the intense beams produced---either for isotope production (such as accelerator-based techniques developed in part by TRIUMF for producing Tc-99m, the world's most popular medical isotope), irradiation of materials, or fundamental research.
Yuri Bylinsky (TRIUMF) chaired the conference overall and Rick Baartman (also from TRIUMF) led the development of the scientific program as chair of the program committee. One of the factors contributing to the conference's success was the substantial engagement of the next generation: more than 10% of the conference participants were students and with contributions from 11 industrial sponsors, the conference organizers were able to offer discounted registrations and partial travel support.
The conference was opened with a short keynote address by John Jacobson, Deputy Minister of BC's Ministry of Technology, Innovation, and Citizens' Services. The deputy minister noted that as an undergraduate at UBC, he had worked on the assembly of TRIUMF's main cyclotron, learning to use an air wrench to adjust the metal shims that tuned the main magnet and ultimately made the machine a success in 1974. He welcomed the participants to Vancouver and wished them all a productive set of discussions and conversations.
Delegates to the conference also enjoyed a tour of TRIUMF and a special banquet on the grounds of the Museum of Anthropology overlooking English Bay. The international conference convenes every three years and was previously hosted by TRIUMF in 1972 and 1992 as well.
Dozens of TRIUMF staff contributed to the success of this conference, many behind the scenes. The local organizing committee was chaired by Jozef Orzechowski, head of TRIUMF's Applied Technology Group, with day-to-day conference management and support handled by Jana Thomson. Congratulations to everyone!
-- by T.I. Meyer, TRIUMF's Head of Strategic Planning and Communication. Photograph courtesy S. McDiarmid, TRIUMF.