Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA (8 May 2013) – Nearly 400 attendees and more than 60 exhibitors gathered at the International Society of Automation’s (ISA) 58th Analysis Division Symposium, which was held 14-18 April, 2013 at the Galveston Island Convention Center in Galveston, Texas, USA.
Each year, this long-running symposium, sponsored by the ISA Analysis Division, brings together process and analytical professionals and industry experts from across the world in a dynamic and interactive environment to improve technical knowledge, discuss emerging trends and developments, and share best practices and innovative processes.
This year, 12 technical sessions and 35 technical papers covered leading-edge topics in sampling, chromatography, spectroscopy, chemiluminescence and other analytical techniques. The conference program also included: keynote presentations, a Technology Forum and Exhibition showcasing the latest products and services, six hands-on courses for technicians, various committee meetings, award presentations, a banquet, and numerous networking receptions and social activities.
During the awards ceremony, ISA’s Analysis Division presented 10 Gilmer Thomason Fowler Konrad (GTFK) awards. The GTFK awards program recognizes the authors of the best technical papers at the annual Analysis Division symposium. Initiated in 1976, the program was established as a memorial to four of ISA’s past directors: Fred Gilmer, Edward Thomason, Lewis Fowler and Ken Konrad.
This year’s GTFK award winners are:
- Frank Richerand Jr.
- Bailey Brupbacher
- Martin Hess
- Susan P. Harris
- Randy Ridge
- Xiang (Sherry) Liu
- Greg Lankford
- Hsu-Hung Huang
- Kuan-Ting Yeh
- Charles Bates
In a separate award presentation, Siemens was recognized for developing the Innovative Product of the Year with the introduction of its modular oven, an enhancement to the company’s MAXUM gas chromatograph.
On the opening night of the symposium, attendees and exhibitors witnessed a demonstration of a robot, which was designed and built by a team of students from five high schools in Pasadena, California. The team, called Team 231 High Voltage, recently entered its robot in an international robotics competition (the FIRST® Robotics Competition), which combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of designing and building robots.
A compilation of technical papers presented at ISA’s 58th Annual Analysis Division Symposium will soon be available for order in CD-ROM format on the ISA website.
ISA’s Analysis Division is committed to career development and ongoing technical education of professionals involved in all areas of process stream and laboratory methods of analysis, from theory and development to application, training, calibration, and more. For more information about the ISA Analysis Division, visit http://www.isa.org/ad or call +1 919-549-8411.
About ISA
Founded in 1945, the International Society of Automation (www.isa.org) is a leading, global, nonprofit organization that is setting the standard for automation by helping over 30,000 worldwide members and other professionals solve difficult technical problems, while enhancing their leadership and personal career capabilities. Based in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, ISA develops standards; certifies industry professionals; provides education and training; publishes books and technical articles; and hosts conferences and exhibitions for automation professionals. ISA is the founding sponsor of The Automation Federation (www.automationfederation.org).