On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we welcome you to Vancouver, Canada and the 2015 IEEE International Symposium on Antennas and Propagation and North American Radio Science Meeting!
As one scans through the technical program, it’s difficult to believe that it has only been 150 years since James Clerk Maxwell completed the task began by Ampere, Coulomb, Faraday and others and produced the first complete mathematical description of the electromagnetic field. We have no doubt that the early pioneers would be gratified to learn how their efforts have led to the advances and accomplishments in electromagnetic science, computational techniques, bio-electromagnetics, antenna design, and theory and applications of new materials that will be reported during the many technical and interactive sessions to be held during the week.
On Sunday, many symposium attendees will join a full day coach tour of southwestern British Columbia and a technical tour of the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory. On Tuesday morning, we will hold the first formal gathering of radio amateurs at an AP-S/URSI event and consider the role of amateur radio in teaching and research in antennas, propagation and radio science. The public demonstration of the student design contest finalists on Tuesday rounds out the “hands on” portion of the symposium.
In alignment with the IEEE Public Visibility Initiative, noon-hour plenary lectures on Millimetre-Wave Spectroscopy, the History and Applications of Maxwell’s Equations, and Planetary Radio Science will be held from Monday to Friday and will be open to both symposium attendees and members of the local science and engineering community. The commercial/industrial exhibits will also be open to the local community just before and immediately after these lectures.
Our Sea to Sky social program will be noteworthy. After dinner on their own on Sunday evening, attendees will gather at the award-winning Vancouver Aquarium for a dessert reception. On Wednesday evening, the Reviewer’s Dinner Reception high atop Grouse Mountain on Vancouver’s North Shore will feature panoramic views of the city, ziplining high above the forest floor and open grizzly bear habitats. Thursday evening’s dinner cruise in English Bay will feature stunning views of Vancouver Harbour and a technical demonstration by volunteers of the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue.
When you have spare time, we encourage you to take advantage of all that Vancouver has to offer. The entire downtown peninsula and a wide selection of Vancouver’s award-winning shopping and restaurants are within walking distance of the Westin Bayshore. Stanley Park, the largest and most beautiful municipal park in Canada, is next door and offers opportunities for walking, running or cycling along either the Seawall or the myriad of trails that traverse its interior. Howe Sound, Whistler and Victoria are ideal destinations for day trips before or after the conference.
The spinning orcas featured in our conference logo were carefully chosen. In the native tradition, the Orca symbolizes family, longevity, harmony, travel, community and protection. He is said to protect those who travel away from home, and lead them back safely when the time comes.
Safe travels!
David G. Michelson, Lot Shafai, and Rodney Vaughan
AP-S/URSI 2015 General Chairs