Conference Overview

The preceding Second Conference, held in the summer of 2000 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, was attended by more than 400 people, representing more than 60 institutions and 15 countries. More than 180 papers covered research in materials science, actinide process chemistry, nuclear fuels, transuranic waste forms, actinides in the environment, actinide separation and analysis, and condensed matter physics. More information about the First (1997) and Second (2000) Conferences is available.

The 2003 Third Conference will provide opportunities to examine present knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of plutonium and other actinides in complex media and materials; to discuss the current and emerging science (chemistry, physics, materials science, nuclear science, and environmental effects) of plutonium and actinides relevant to enhancing global nuclear security; and to exchange ideas. The conference will also provide a forum for illustrating and enhancing capabilities and interests, and assessing issues in these areas. Scientists, engineers, and students from universities, national laboratories and DOE's nuclear complex, and throughout the world, are encouraged to participate and make technical contributions.

The scientific program will consist of a series of invited plenary and keynote lectures followed by presentations of invited and contributed papers in oral and poster sessions. The plenary sessions will include participation by policy makers as well as scientific leaders. Repeating a very successful innovation introduced in the previous conference, there will be a half-day introductory tutorial session on actinide science for students, non-specialists, and other interested parties on the afternoon of Sunday, July 5, before the official start of the conference. English is the official language of the conference. The extended abstracts from the conference will be published in a Proceedings volume.

• Plutonium Properties
• Materials Science
• Nuclear Fuels/Isotopes
• Separations and Process Chemistry
• Detection and Analysis
• Plutonium Chemistry and Compounds
• Actinide Compounds and Complexes
• Actinides in the Environment
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Life Sciences
  

Sunday, July 6, 2003
12:00 pm - 8:00 pm Registration (continuing throughout the conference)
1:00 -4:30 pm Tutorial Session - Current Topics in Plutonium Science
6:00 - 8:00 pm Reception

Monday, July 7, 2003
8:00 Opening and Welcome

Oral Sessions:
8:30 - 12:15 Condensed Matter Physics
12:15 Attendee's Luncheon
2:15 - 5:00 Actinide Compounds and Complexes

7:00 Evening Panel Discussions with distinguished guest speakers

Tuesday, July 8, 2003
Oral Sessions:
8:00 - 11:45 Nuclear Fuel Cycle I
1:30 - 5:15 Nuclear Fuel Cycle II

6:30 pm - Evening Dinner and Entertainment:
"Los Amigos Roundup"
(additional charge for tickets; buses leave Marriott at 6:00 pm)

Wednesday, July 9, 2003
Oral Session:
8:00 - 12:30 Materials Science and Plutonium Properties

1:30 - 5:00 Poster Session with Refreshments

6:30 pm - Banquet
Speaker: Charles Loeber
Author of
"Building the Bombs: A History of the Nuclear Weapons Complex"

Thursday, July 10, 2003
Oral Sessions:
8:00 - 11:45 Actinides in the Environment and Life Sciences
1:30 - 4:15 Detection and Analysis

4:15 - 4:45 Conference Closing and Summary

The Plutonium Futures-The Science conference will be held at the Albuquerque Marriott Hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico, July 6-10, 2003. Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment, and is located at the base of the Sandia Mountains, at over 5,000 feet above sea level. Historic Native American and Hispanic cultures mingle with modern Southwestern metropolitan life. Albuquerque's high desert climate and cultural diversity provide opportunities for visiting Indian Pueblos, shopping in Spanish Old Town, taking the Sandia Peak Tram, hiking on Sandia Peak, and enjoying Southwestern and New Mexican cuisine.

The Conference Hotel is the Albuquerque Marriott, located just five minutes by car from downtown Albuquerque and eight miles from the Albuquerque International Sunport (Airport code ABQ). It is within walking distance of Winrock and Coronado shopping malls in the uptown business district and is surrounded by restaurants, theaters and local attractions.

By arrangement with Marriott, a block of rooms has been set aside for conference attendees. A special rate is being offered for these rooms on a first-come, first-served basis.

Reservations at the Albuquerque Marriott:
US toll-free: 1-800-228-9290
International: 1-505-881-6800
Fax: 1-505-881-1780
Internet: www.marriotthotels.com/ABQNM
Group code: LNPLNPA
*Please use this code when you make your reservations. *

Information on other nearby hotels (in the Uptown area) can be found on the internet at www.abqcvb.org. Marriott offers an excellent Nearby Business and Attraction Locator.

Directions to the Albuquerque Marriott
From the Albuquerque International Sunport (Airport):
Take I-25 North to I-40 East.
Take the Louisiana Boulevard North exit - Hotel is 1/2 mile north on the west (left hand) side.
From Santa Fe:
Take I-25 South to I-40 East.
Take the Louisiana Boulevard North exit - Hotel is 1/2 mile north on the west (left hand) side.

Attractions & Landmarks
The City of Albuquerque, New Mexico’s largest city, is 5,314 feet above sea level. The area is steeped in Native American and Spanish traditions and has a fascinating history. The Spanish governor of New Mexico, Francisco Cuervo y Valdés , with a group of colonists founded the city in 1706, originally naming it "Villa de Alburquerque" in honor of the Viceroy of New Spain (the extra R was later dropped). Old Town, in the heart of Albuquerque, still retains some of the original colonial buildings with quaint shops and traditional native New Mexican dining. More information is available on the history of Albuquerque.

At the western edge of the city, the Petroglyph National Monument is an impressive collection of ancient Indian and Hispanic petroglyphs, some dating from 1300 A.D.

Thanks to a year-round moderate climate, Albuquerque is a premier hot air ballooning location. Every October, the city hosts the world’s largest Balloon Fiesta with more than 1,000 balloons from more than 50 countries. Although the Balloon Fiesta falls later in the year than the Conference, balloon rides are available year-round.

Only 60 minutes away by car, or 20 minutes by the Sandia Peak Tramway, the world’s longest aerial tramway, one can enjoy hiking or mountain biking in the Sandia Mountains during the summer months.

Albuquerque also is home to the National Atomic Museum. The mission of the museum is to serve as America’s resource for nuclear history and science. The museum has exhibits and educational programs that convey the diversity of individuals and events that shaped the nuclear age. For more information call 505-245-2137.

Other outstanding attractions include:
Albuquerque Bio Park (Botanical Garden, Aquarium, and Zoo) (5 mi)
Rio Grande Zoo (5 mi)
Indian Pueblo Cultural Center (5 mi) includes info about visiting pueblos
Hispanic Cultural Center (4 mi)
New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science (5 mi)
Old Town museums, galleries, jewelry, shopping, dining (5 mi)
Historic Rt. 66 and Nob Hill Antiques, shopping, dining (2 mi)
Sandia Peak - hiking, mountain biking (10 mi)
University of New Mexico (5 mi)
Santa Fe - museums, arts, galleries, culture, dining, recreation (65 mi north)
Santa Fe Opera - (75 mi)
Pueblo of Acoma - spectacular setting, fascinating tours (72 mi west)
Santa Ana Pueblo (north of Albuquerque)
Isleta Pueblo (south of Albuquerque)

see also Visitor Information from the Albuquerque Convention and Visitors Bureau

Sports & Recreation
Tennis (0.5 mi)

Golf:
New Mexico Golf Net (directory)

Albuquerque Municipal Golf Courses:
Arroyo Del Oso Golf Course (18 holes; 72 par; 6 miles)
Los Altos Municipal Golf Course (18 holes; 71 par; 4 miles)
Ladera Municipal Golf Course (18 holes; 9 hole executive course; west of city)
Puerto del Sol Golf Course (9 holes; 35 par; lighted driving range; near airport)

University of New Mexico Championship Course (18 holes; 72 par; near airport)
Paa-Ko Ridge Golf Club (18 holes; 72 par; ~15 miles)
Isleta Eagle Golf Course (18 holes; 72 par; south of city ~ 15 miles)
Twin Warriors Golf Club (18 holes; 72 par; north of city ~15 miles)
Santa Ana Golf Club (Links Course, 18 holes; 72 par; north of city ~ 15 miles)

Until June 5, 2003
Early registration fee: $350
American Nuclear Society members: $300
Students and Postdocs: Free*

After June 5, 2003
Registration fee: $450
American Nuclear Society members: $400
Students and Postdocs: Free*

Paid Registration includes: Opening Reception, Monday Luncheon, banquet ticket, poster session refreshments, continental breakfast and morning and afternoon refreshments each day, and one copy of the Conference Proceedings. Banquet tickets for companion persons and unpaid registrations are available for $45 each.

*The registration fee will be waived for all qualifying students and postdoctoral fellows. In addition, financial assistance for travel expenses is available for students and postdoctoral fellows who present papers. For more information on student participation including eligibility requirements and financial assistance, click here. Note that banquet tickets are not included in unpaid student registrations, but may be purchased separately.

Several Special Events will be offered at an additional charge (see below).

The Conference Registration Form is available. Please note, the completed registration form must be faxed or mailed to the address shown on the form.

Conference Sponsored Events

Sunday, July 6
Welcoming Reception
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Poolside, Albuquerque Marriott

Monday, July 7
Attendee's Luncheon
12:15 pm
Sandia Ballroom and Poolside, Albuquerque Marriott

Tuesday, July 8
Los Amigos Roundup
Menu
6:30 pm (buses depart Marriott at 6:00 pm)
Sandia Reservation, NM
$35.00 per person(Advance Registration Required)
Includes round trip transportation, dinner and drinks, and entertainment (Southwestern Music, Mexican Dance Troup, Indian Dancing)

Wednesday, July 9
Banquet
6:30 pm
Speaker: Charles Loeber
Author of
"Building the Bombs: A History of the Nuclear Weapons Complex"
About the Author
Copies of the book will be available for purchase during the conference

Companion Persons

Accompanying persons may, if tickets are purchased for them, attend the Banquet and Los Amigos Roundup. They may also attend the Welcoming Reception without charge. Due to space restrictions, only registered meeting attendees may attend the technical sessions.

Exhibitors

Los Alamos National Laboratory
Sandia National Laboratories
Waste Isolation Pilot Plant
Seaborg Institute
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Los Alamos Historical Society

The airport serving Albuquerque is the Albuquerque International Sunport (Airport code ABQ), which is served by several major airlines. The airport is 8 miles from conference hotel, the Albuquerque Marriott.

Foreign citizens who wish to stay in the United States temporarily must generally have a visa issued by the U.S. Department of State. To obtain a visa, or more information on this topic, contact the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate in your country of residence. If you are traveling from oversees and need assistance or a list of foreign consular offices and locations in the United States, please see the U. S. State Department Web Site.

Please view the Sunport Web Site for important travel advice including airport security procedures, identification requirements, carryon baggage rules, and so forth.

Ground Transportation
Options include rental cars, airport shuttle, and limousine and taxi services.

You may view the Second Announcement and Call for Papers online. If you wish to receive a brochure containing the Second Announcement and Call for Papers, and/or be added to the conference mailing list, you may use our On-Line Request Form or send e-mail or regular mail to:

Susan M. Ramsay, Conference Technical Coordinator
Plutonium Futures-The Science 2003
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Nuclear Materials Technology Division
P.O. Box 1663
MS E500
Los Alamos, NM, USA 87545

Telephone: (505) 665-7214
Fax: (505) 665-7895
E-mail: ramsay@lanl.gov