FSCT issues call for papers for ACSeries program: Research Methods in the 21st Century, May 18-20, 2005.

The FSCT has issued a Call for Papers for the first Advancements in Coatings Series (ACSeries) program, scheduled for 2005. "Research Methods in the 21st Century: A Toolkit for Competitive Advantage" will be held at the New Orleans Marriott, in New Orleans, LA, on May 18-20, 2005. This event will consist of a one-day short course, followed by a two-day symposium featuring 30-45 minute paper presentations. Presentations will be offered in separate, themed tracks.

"Research Methods in the 21st Century: A Toolkit for Competitive Advantage" explores emerging technologies and techniques that provide the user with competitive advantages in developing new products in Coatings R & D. Primary focus is on Design of Experiment (DOE), High Throughput R & D (HRD), and Combinatorial Methods, but the program is not limited to these topics.

The Organizing Task Force is seeking presentations on the following and related topics:

Suggested Topics

Design of Experiment/Combinatorial Methods

* Theory

* Organization and Design

* Software (e.g., JMP, Design Expert)

* Applications/Implementation Examples

High Throughput R & D Tools

* Design Considerations

* Automated Systems, New Instruments/Methods

-- Synthesis

-- Formulation

-- Application

-- Property Measurement/Performance

* Applications/Implementation Examples

Data Acquisition and Management

* Literature/Prior Art Search Tools

-- Techniques and Tools

-- Subscribed Services (e.g., Derwent, Sci Finder)

* Strategy and Retrieval Systems

* Data Mining/Modeling/Expert Systems

* Intellectual Property Management

* Applications/Implementation Examples

Potential Strategies to Cost-Effective Competency Development in High Throughput R & D

* Focus on Specific Property/Performance Measurement

* Develop an Existing Competency in the HTR Cycle

-- DOE

-- Formulation, Application, Curing

-- Property Measurement/Performance

-- Partnering Using Outside Funds

* Applications/Implementation Examples

Information For Speakers

Those interested should provide a 150-200 word abstract, along with contact information, by December 15, 2004. Include author's name(s), company name, address, telephone, fax, and email address. Send abstracts to: Rod Moon, Director of Education, FSCT, 492 Norristown Rd., Blue Bell, PA 19422-2350; or email the completed abstract form to: [e-mail]. Official abstract forms are available by contacting FSCT headquarters.

After abstracts are reviewed and the presentations are approved, authors will be required to submit a paper or a copy of handouts for distribution to all registered attendees. Papers, although not required, are encouraged. Please submit all materials electronically, with an accompanying hard copy.

Who Should Attend

This program is intended for scientists, formulators, and engineers involved in coating development and coating process/application. Additionally, personnel dealing with polymers and resins, additives, pigments, coating sales and marketing, etc., and those involved in testing and property development, will find this symposium highly informative and valuable.

Exhibits & Sponsorships

Tabletop exhibits and a variety of sponsorship programs offer valuable opportunities for suppliers to increase contacts and showcase products and services related to ACSeries topics. Information is available by contacting FSCT headquarters.

For Information

For additional information on the ACSeries programs, contact FSCT at 492 Norristown Rd., Blue Bell, PA 19422-2350; voice: 610.940.0777; fax: [phone]; email: [e-mail]; or visit the website: www.coatingstech.org.