Conference attracts international scientists to discuss latest technology

Imagine an apparatus that can check the safety of an unopened letter and generate radiation for cancer treatments. This device, a small accelerator, is the focus of the 17th International Conference on the Application of Accelerators in Research and Industry at UNT Nov. 12-16.

About 1,000 scientists from 50 countries are converging on campus to participate in the conference, which is sponsored by UNT, the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy.

"This is the largest conference on the applications of particle accelerators in research and industry," says Jerome L. Duggan, physics professor. "The conference reflects strides made in a $50 billion-a-year business for products sold with accelerator-produced chips."

Bernard Weinstein, professor of applied economics and director of the University Center for Economic Development and Research, says the conference is expected to bring almost $500,000 in new spending to the area, most of which will stay in Denton County.

"The infusion of currency from outside the area will have a significant impact upon the local economy. This new spending will turn over several times and could actually boost total economic activity by more than $1 million," Weinstein says.

The biennial conference moved from Oak Ridge, Tenn., in 1968 to UNT in 1974. During the past 16 conferences, more than 7,000 scientists from 47 countries have trekked to UNT. More than half of the participants are from research universities worldwide.

Conference topics range from the radiation process, which can be used to protect the public from anthrax-tainted letters and bacteria in food, to medical applications such as radiation therapy for cancer patients.

More than 45 high-tech companies will display their products in the Silver Eagle Suite throughout the conference.

BY CATHY CASHIO ccashio@unt.edu

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• Tips to be a savvy holiday shopper this year
• UNT club battles one of the nation's most common fears
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