Summary Report from RelPow Flo IV in short
By Gisle G. Enstad, Chairman of Symposium and
Liv Axelsen, Project Leader
The international symposium RelPowFlo IV took place as planned in Tromsø in week 24, in a wonderful, nearly continuous sunshine, with a mid night sun that was visible nearly every night. Although the outside temperature was a bit chilly most of the time, a warm and friendly atmosphere was the background for the inside activities, including 6 key note lectures, 96 oral presentations, 2 workshops and 19 poster presentations. There were 160 delegates from 26 countries from all parts of the world, 14 accompanying persons.
See the fantastic pictures shot by Mr. and Mrs. Wöhlbier, Powder Bulk Portal
The symposium started with a reception June 9 at 7 pm, where Professor in Medicine at the University of Tromsø, Ole Danbolt Mjøs, the Chairman of the Norwegian Peace Prize Committee, gave an inspiring speech on how the committee works to encourage people who work for peace in the world, which is the most fundamental condition for all true progress. The Kulta Circus/Theatre Group also gave a wonderful performance at the reception.
The formal programme took place from Tuesday June 10 at 9 am, to Thursday June 12 at half past 4 pm. Every parallel session had a chairman and a co-chair, no problems of any kind were reported, all presenters were on time, and the time schedule was kept accurately by all participants. 20 minutes were allocated for the presentations, and 5 minutes for discussions. The papers were all of a high standard, and were followed by useful discussions and comments. It is really encouraging to see the amount of important progress that is currently taking place in the field of Powder Technology. The proceedings from the Symposium will be made available for purchase on the internet later on.
For the accompanying persons there was a sightseeing tour in Tromsø on Tuesday, including a visit to the Polar Museum. On Wednesday a visit was organized to a mountain top by a cable car, where a wonderful view of the magnificent surroundings could be enjoyed by the participants.
For all participants a visit to Polaria was organized on Tuesday night, where various arctic activities were displayed, including exciting performances by 3 seals. On Wednesday we went by buses to Sommarøya, about one hour’s drive over several bridges and islands, through wonderful sceneries of islands, fjords and mountains. Although we were blessed with a wonderful sunshine, it was quite chilly, and even though we could enjoy our barbecue food inside a big tent, only the good mood helped keep us warm, especially for those who had to wait far too long to be served. After the food had been consumed, many of us went to the mountain top of Sommarøya, and the last bus was not back in Tromsø before about 2 am, mind you, in full day light, the sun was still shining.
Many have asked us, when will RelPowFlo V take place? This question we cannot answer to-day. But who knows, in a few years time? We are grateful to all who came and made RelPowFlo IV an unforgettable event.