EUCMOS 2008

EUCMOS – Past, Present and Future

      The European Molecular Spectroscopy Group, which was constituted informally after the Second World War to bring together spectroscopists from across Europe, met for the first time in Konstanz in 1947. Reinhard Mecke was at the time working in temporary accommodation at Wallhausen, a small village on the shores of Lake Constance, and the meeting (initiated by invitation of Professors Lecomte and Kastler from Paris) was attended by French, German and Austrian spectroscopists. However, the meeting which has since become regarded as the first of the EUCMOS series was organised under the auspices of Ernst Miescher in Basel in 1951.

      This talk by the current President of the EUCMOS International Committee will provide an illustrated overview of EUCMOS meetings from these early beginnings to the present time, with pictures of many of the prominent spectroscopists who have presented lectures at EUCMOS meetings. The manner in which the organisational structure evolved as the political climate in Europe changed will be be discussed. Finally, some thoughts will be offered on the future of EUCMOS meetings.