I would like to thank everyone who took the time, effort, and money to attend the Seventh International Conference on Cold Fusion in Vancouver on April 19-24, 1998. The substantial preparation and advanced work of all oral and poster presenters, combined with active audience participation, created a spontaneously constructive environment for discussion. I hope all participants returned from Vancouver with a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper insight to guide their research, and new perspectives to broaden their thinking.
The congenial atmosphere at ICCF-7 was a unique and rewarding experience. Perhaps the enlightened spirit was a result of the spectacular Vancouver scenery; or the realization, after nine years, that unity and cooperation among pioneering researchers may be more productive than competition. Over 200 people from 20 countries and all scientific disciplines gathered in Vancouver to share ideas in an attempt to understand the mechanisms responsible for the unequivocal laboratory results many have witnessed firsthand. Across cultural, linguistic and disciplinarian boundaries, scientists from widely divergent backgrounds worked together to pursue a common goal of trying to perfect a potentially new, clean, economical, and abundant energy source for the 21st century.
I believe ICCF-7 marked a crucial milestone of maturation of the field from the viewpoint of science, finance, and human resources that will support and sustain growth for a strong new generation.
The diversity and quality of the data presents at ICCF-7 has grown more compelling. A plethora of new, diverse results from a wide variety of second generation experiments help move the field closer to a better understanding of reaction mechanisms, and virtually eliminate the possibility that early electrochemical experiments were just some transient mistake.
Although most research activities are still critically undercapitalized, as evidenced by approximately two-thirds of ICCF-7 participants paying for their own attendance, decentralized self-funded research leads to highly focused lab activities. The self-supported fervor and dedication of current researchers provides a grass-roots resiliency and enthusiasm that can not be easily extinguished by adverse, external events.
Approximately one-third of the ICCF-7 audience was new. Nine students were present, some of whom gave their very first presentation at an ICCF conference. One new student was elected as a gTop Tenh presenter. New and younger persons entering the field provide vital fresh perspectives that are crucial to continuation and growth. An entire second generation of scientists and managers are now carrying on the bulk of the work that was formerly performed by early pioneers.
In closing, I would like to thank the International Advisory Committee for providing the opportunity for me to help organize ICCF-7. It was very satisfying to be able to help contribute to the growth and advancement of this important new field of research.
Until we meet again at ICCF-8 in Italy, best wished to all and good luch with your pursuits.
Sincerely, Fred Jaeger
Organizing Chairman