Welcome from the Chair of the European Microwave Conference 2006

Abstract

It is a great pleasure for us to welcome you to Manchester UK for the 36th European Microwave Conference. This long-established and distinguished event has become a core feature of the European Microwave Week programme and we are confident that this year’s meeting will more than fulfil your expectations for an informative, thought-provoking and enjoyable conference. This year has seen a number of important innovations in the way papers are submitted, processed and reviewed for selection at the Conference, which has been at times a challenging experience for all concerned. However, in conjunction with the exceptionally high number of submissions received from all over the world, the outcome of all of this has been an increased emphasis on delivering to you, the delegate, a high quality and comprehensive technical programme. We would like to extend a special thanks to the many reviewers who have given generously of their time in the process of paper selection, as well as to all the members of the Technical Programme Committee (TPC) with a special thanks to the various sub-committee chairs of the TPC in their important new roles this year. The EuMC began in the UK in 1969 and has since returned several times to England but this year is coming to Manchester for the first time. Manchester has a well-deserved reputation as a lively, dynamic city and is also an excellent base for exploring many nearby attractions. The G-Mex/MICC is modern, centrally-located and of an ideal size to accommodate the many events of the European Microwave week. As usual, there will be a large industry exhibition and we would urge you to take the opportunity to become aware of the latest products and offerings from suppliers at the exhibition during your stay at the conference. The EuMC is dedicated to a broad range of high frequency related topics, from materials and technologies to integrated circuits, systems and applications, addressed in all aspects: theory, simulation, design and measurement. It is intended as a forum to bring together international experts, specialising in a wide range of subjects with both academic and industrial backgrounds, and allow for the presentation and discussion of the most recent advances in the field. A striking feature this year has been the very high number of submitted papers in the topics of antennas, filters and passive components. The large Networks of Excellence and Integrated Projects funded through the European Union’s 6th Framework Programme of research are also maturing and producing many interesting results. Several of these are relevant to the themes of the conference, and, continuing a trend already visible at last year’s event in Paris, are playing a prominent role in this year’s programme though focussed sessions, workshops and other activities. This year, the EuMC will consist of 60 regular oral sessions, including several focused sessions on specific topics, and two poster sessions. The concept of EuMW favours the integration of the four component conferences, uniting their respective communities. In this spirit, EuMC also features 9 joint sessions with its sister conferences: EuMIC, ECWT and EuRAD. In addition, there are various workshops designed to encourage technical exchanges on certain topics, which will take place on Sunday 10th September and Friday 15th September.