The important role of the ‘Vacuum Group’ of The Institute of Physics in present and future high technology was confirmed at their highly successful biennial conference, ‘Vacuum 86, which was held at the University of Strathclyde from 25 to 27 March 1986 and was attended by about 100 participants. An equally successful exhibition of vacuum equipment was held in parallel with the conference and this was well supported by 25 companies. A total of 35 papers, including 7 invited speakers, was presented and covered not only vacuum technology but also electron and ion processing and thin films. A particularly novel aspect of the programme was a special session, introduced by Professor T Lindblad from the Research Institute of Physics at Stockholm, on work currently in progress in medium-sized vacuum systems at pressures less than lo- l1 mbar. A further highlight was the presentation of the British Vacuum Council Annual Address by Dr H Biederman from Charles University, Prague, Czechoslovakia, on ‘Polymer films prepared by plasma polymerization and their potential application’. The quality of the technical aspects of the conference was equally matched by the social activities which included a luncheon in the magnificent Glasgow Civic Chambers, a memorable visit to
see the famous ‘Burrell Collection’ and a very enjoyable tour of the Glengoyne distillery! The Lord Provost of Glasgow was guest of honour at the conference dinner and it was pleasing to see that valuable work in the vacuum field was recognized by the Swedish Vacuum Society when Professor Lindblad presented medals to Dr J Colligon (Chairman, Vacuum Group), Dr A Chambers (Exhibition Organizer) and Mr W Steckelmacher for his services to vacuum technology over very many years. It is significant to note that, for the first time in the history of the Vacuum Group, a short training course on ‘Vacuum Technology’, which was sponsored by the British Vacuum Council, was held during the two days immediately prior to the conference. This was a very successful first venture in this direction and was attended by 30 participants from industry, government establishments and universities. The course was well received and it is envisaged that it will be presented again in the near future. Anyone seeking further information is invited to contact the British Vacuum Council at the Institute of Physics, 47 Belgrave Square, London, SWlX 8QX. R K Fitch Guest Editor