Scientists from around the world will be converging on Saskatoon in August 2018 for a major international science conference.
Saskatoon was chosen over New York City to host XRM 2018, which will bring together scientists who work in X-ray microscopy.
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Dr. Stephen Urquhart, a chemistry professor at the University of Saskatchewan and chair of the XRM 2018 organizing committee, said this will help raise Saskatoon’s profile as a destination.
“Among the city’s features we stressed in our bid for the 2018 conference were its vibrant social and arts scenes, as well as its close connection to nature, everything from boreal forests in the north, grasslands in the south and a river valley running right through town,” Urquhart said.
“We want conference participants to appreciate Saskatoon but also to see it as a jumping off point to a variety of natural experiences that are hard to find elsewhere.”
X-ray microscopy is more advanced than conventional microscopes, providing clearer images and more information about what is being studied.
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Both the Canadian Light Source and the University of Saskatchewan are acknowledged as leaders in the development and use of X-ray microscopy.
“X-ray microscopy is already an area of expertise here but hosting our international colleagues opens the door to new opportunities and new partnerships,” Urquhart said.
“I can see X-ray microscopy becoming an effective tool in addressing all kinds of scientific challenges both here and elsewhere.”
This year’s conference is being held in Oxford, England.