SFTE EC 2020 Symposium Report

Plans had been laid for the 2020 symposium to make a return visit to Nuremberg in June, to allow members to enjoy the parallel events of the ETTC and Sensor+Test exhibition. Despite the growing reports of the COVID outbreak, as late as March 2020 the organisers of the Nuremberg event had felt that the sanitary conditions and German law would still allow the symposium to continue, but the rapidly evolving situation led the EC Board to postpone the symposium, initially to 2021.

As we all adapted to the new conditions of life under lockdown, the possibilities offered by online activities became obvious to us all: both professional and personal events were organised over multiple platforms and we all learnt how to work with Zoom, Teams, GoToMeet, Skype,… The EC Board felt that it would be worthwhile to organise such an event. In recognition of the exceptional circumstances, the event was proposed free of charge.

Speakers who had initially registered their interest to contribute at Nuremberg were contacted and a number of them agreed to present their work during a shortened, one-day event which was held on 24th June. Giorgio Clementi from ITPS opened the day with a keynote broadcast from Canada, whilst other speakers joined from Sweden, UK, Germany, Spain and India. The Annual Business Meeting could also be held, thus fulfilling the obligations of the EC statutes.

Warm thanks to all contributors for stepping up during such a challenging and uncertain period. Special mention to Jim Fawcett for the behind-the-scenes technical setup and being online MC.

We all hope that the return to a traditional symposium can occur sooner rather than later!