Analytica Chimica Acta 499 (2003) 1–3

Foreword

The revolutionary development and utilisation offlow-based analytical chemistry that followed the in-ception of Flow Injection Analysis in 1975 resulted inthe inaugural International Conference on Flow Anal-ysis being hosted in Amsterdam in 1979. Since thatevent, like-minded souls have gathered together, every3 years, in Lund, Birmingham, Las Vegas, Kumamoto,Toledo, Piracicaba and Warsaw to share their enthusi-

Plenary and invited speakers and members of the Australian Organising committee (photo: Donna Edwards, Deakin Photography). Frontrow (L to R): Daryl Tucker, Paul Worsfold, Ian McKelvie, Gary Christian, Dermot Diamond, Alan Townshend, Elo Hansen. Middle Row:Gillian Greenway, Bob Cattrall, Sandy Dasgupta, Ivano Gutz, Simon Lewis, Neil Barnett, Amanda Lyddy-Meaney. Back Row: Ari Ivaska,Terry Elms, Spas Kolev, Stuart Chalk, Peter Hauser, Ben Hindson, Graham Marshall. Inset: David Davey, Chris Chow.

asm for and experiences with the research and prac-tise of Flow Analysis in its various guises and myr-iad applications. Australian analytical chemists haveembraced and contributed to Flow Analysis since the1970s and have been present in good numbers at mostof these conferences. Consequently, we were honouredand delighted when Flow Analysis IX was awarded toAustralia at the Warsaw meeting.

0003-2670/$ – see front matter © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.doi:10.1016/j.aca.2003.06.001

2 Foreword / Analytica Chimica Acta 499 (2003) 1–3

Our meeting began on a bright, sunny afternoonwith an inspirational opening address from GaryChristian, after which, we were regaled with a su-perlative plenary from Paul Worsfold on the utilityof FIA for advanced environmental diagnostics andthe rigours of shipboard life for the hapless researchstudent. In a spirit of true collegiality, the congrega-tion then repaired to a most convivial social functionat which the delegates (from 20 countries) were ableto renew old acquaintances and forge new ones.From this propitious foundation, the scientific pro-gramme flowed naturally throughout the next 3.5days, purposely celebrating some exceptional ca-reers, as well as showcasing several rising stars in thefield.

These included Dermot Diamond, who cogentlyreminded the gathering not to put the cart before thehorse with respect to disposable sensors linked towireless networks. While this futuristic vision may beattainable, there was first a requirement to fully under-stand their fundamental chemistry so as to afford sta-ble, robust devices capable of extended deployment.Gillian Greenway echoed this sentiment with regardto Lab-on-a-Chip, noting that while this technologyhas enormous potential for at site measurement, therewas a real need for a molecular level understandingof the detection and separation processes if these de-vices were to realise their promise. Given our presenthistorical juncture, it was appropriate to hear BenHindson describe the marriage of sequential injectionanalysis with multiplexed microbead immunoassaysfor the sensitive and selective detection of airbornebiological warfare agents such as anthrax and bubonicplague. It was heartening to hear from Ari Ivaskahow, in Finland at least, novel, robust flow analyt-ical methodologies were being utilised for processmonitoring of challenging matrices in demandingenvironments, thus overcoming long held industrialprejudices against such technology. The co-inventorof SIA, Graham Marshall, highlighted the limitationsof conventional propulsion and injection systemsand proposed how these hurdles could be overcomethrough the use of the so called “zone fluidic” ap-proach for solution manipulation. Later that day, asif on cue, Sandy Dasgupta provided the meetingwith a dramatic visual insight into some strategiesfor microfluidic flow management. The final plenarywas vintage Townshend, that is not to suggest that

either he or his material are dated but rather that ineffortless style Alan journeyed through two of hisfavourite topics, solid phase reactors and chemilumi-nescence, generously acknowledging the efforts ofothers.

During the Flow Analysis IX banquet, the inauguralGeoff Wilson Medal was awarded to Elo Hansen, AlanTownshend and Gary Christian. The medal commem-orates the scientific career of the former Vice Chancel-lor of Deakin University and is awarded by the Facultyof Science and Technology in recognition of individ-uals who contribute significantly to the internationalcommunity of science. In presenting the award, Deanof the Faculty, Professor Richard Russell noted thatProfessor Hansen was one the co-inventors of FIA andthat in the course of his celebrated career he had de-veloped and utilised a myriad reaction and detectionstrategies for innovative and elegant solutions to chal-lenging analytical problems. With regard to ProfessorsChristian and Townshend, Professor Russell describedhow both men had embraced flow analytical technol-ogy soon after its inception in 1975, and through theirexemplary scientific achievements, had inspired andnurtured numerous young researchers. Additionally,their championing of Flow Analysis through tirelesspublishing and editorial activities was reflected in thepresent vigorous and expanding nature of Flow Anal-ysis today.

In a similar vein, the Organising Committee alsomade commendations to Professor Robert Cattrall andDr. Terry Cardwell in recognition of their outstand-ing and continuing contributions to Flow Analysis inAustralia, and in particular, to their support and en-couragement of young researchers.

While many delegates made the long trek to Aus-tralia, some for the first time, the largest overseascontingent, of 19, came from Thailand. Notably threeof the four student prizes awarded went to Thaistudents.

On behalf of the organising committee and the inter-national advisory board we would like to express oursincere gratitude to Deakin University, Foss, GlobalFIA, Monash University Water Studies Centre, Aus-tralian Water Quality Centre and the CRC for WaterQuality and Treatment for their generous sponsorshipand support of the meeting.

Flow Analysis X will be held in Oporto, Portugalduring 2006, and we look forward to seeing you there.

Foreword / Analytica Chimica Acta 499 (2003) 1–3 3

Neil Barnett∗Centre for Chiral and Molecular Technology

School of Biology and Chemical ScienceDeakin University, Geelong, Vic. 3217, Australia

∗Corresponding author. Tel.:+61-3-52271409fax: +61-2-52271040

E-mail address: barnie@deakin.edu.au (N. Barnett)

Ian McKelvieSchool of Chemistry, Monash University

Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia