Abstract

The first Members’ Conference to be organised by the new Italian-based IFRF, this year’s event took place in Pisa from 13th to 15th June.  As its timing coincided with the relocation of the Foundation after 50 years in IJmuiden in the Netherlands, it was fitting that the conference theme should both mirror the original and immutable objectives set for the IFRF, and bring participating members into a new era.

When the IFRF was first established, the environmental concerns were smoke and fume.  Now the hot issues relate to national and international limits on specific gaseous and particulate emissions, an unimaginable environmental issue 50 years ago.

The new regulatory environment has produced new challenges and opportunities for the IFRF.  The 15th Members’ Conference provided the opportunity to share in an exchange of related technical information and a platform to seek out mutually advantageous opportunities to cooperate in the R&D programmes needed to address these issues.

As usual, attendance at the conference was reserved for IFRF Members and invited guests.  Over 120 delegates attended a very lively and social event at the Hotel Santa Croce in Fossabanda, close to the Pisa city centre. Technical content included a number of keynote addresses as well as podium, breakout and poster sessions and a visit to the new IFRF Research Facility at Livorno.