CBW Protection Symposium VIII
Gothenburg , Sweden ; 2-6 June 2004

Kurt Persson

          Less than six months remain to the opening of the 8th International Symposium on Protection against Chemical and Biological Warfare Agents. This time the Symposium will take place in Gothenburg, the biggest port in Sweden and situated on the Swedish west coast. The event starts on 2 June with registration and opening of the Exhibition of CBW Defence Equipment and a get-together party in the evening. The formal opening of the Symposium and the start of the scientific program will be on 3 June.

Scientific program
          Many interesting papers have been proposed for presentation and the scientific committee has started the selection of papers for the different sessions. The scientific program will most of the time run in two parallel sessions. A special poster session will be arranged but the posters will be on display during the whole conference.
          Round table discussions will also be arranged and there is already a great interest in this form for exchange of ideas and opinions. Each discussion will start with a couple of prepared contributions. Some suggestions for the round table discussions are:

• The role of non-governmental organisations in strengthening CWC and BTWC
• The freedom of science versus restrictions in dissemination of results due to the risk of abuse of science – an ethical dilemma
• Experiences from UNMOVIC

        Further suggestions are welcome. A short abstract will be necessary to be included in the abstract book (will be delivered to the delegates at the on-site-registration).

Exhibition.
          The 8th Exhibition of CBW Defence Equipment seems to be the biggest since the start in 1983. Until now more than 70 companies have announced their participation and more are expected. The Exhibition will open on 2 June and be open throughout the Symposium.

Social program.
          Traditionally, a get-together party will be arranged in the evening of the registration day. The City of Gothenburg will host a small reception on 3 June. Due to practical reasons, there will be no boat tour this time, arranged by the Symposium, but there will in any case be sea contact: The Conference Dinner will take place 5 June in a restaurant at the waterfront.

Participation.
          The Symposium is open for people engaged within the field of chemical and biological protection and interested in a mutual exchange of information. The fee for participation in the Symposium is SEK 5000 (550 € /625$/350£). Reduced rate, SEK 4000 for final registration received before 1 March 2004. VAT (25% when applicable) is not included in the fees.

Contact.
          You can get further information about the Symposium by visiting the Symposium website www.cbwsymp.foi.se or from the Symposium secretariat. The address to the secretariat is:

CBW Protection Symposium
FOI NBC Defence
SE-901 82 Umeå
Sweden

Phone Registration: +46 90 10 66 02
Phone Scientific programme: +46 90 10 67 73
E-mail: cbwsymp@foi.se