4th International Conference
on Environmental Catalysis
Rideal bursar Jacinto
Sá reports on June 2005 conference
 I
recently attended the 4th International Conference on Environmental
Catalysis, which took place in Heidelberg, Germany from 5-8
June 2005. I had the opportunity of demonstrate some of the
research into the catalytic removal of nitrates from drinking
water which I am undertaking at the University of Aberdeen.
The Rideal bursary from SCI covered my travel expenses and
helped me to participate in this meeting. Though I believe
it is very important to contribute to this type of events,
the costs involved normally make it prohibitive. Therefore,
support from institutions such as SCI are especially welcome.
Attending this event gave me exposure to the most advanced
research in my area.
It also allowed contact with people from all over the world,
which was particularly helpful since it showed me new perspectives
and procedures. From a personal point of view, it was also
an opportunity to validate my work and to help me make my
name in the scientific world.
The conference in Heidelberg gave me chance to put a face
to many names familiar to me from international publications.
I could discuss with these people aspects which were absent
in their published work. As Prof. Richard Feynman, in his
Novel lecture (1966), said, 'We have a habit in writing articles
published in scientific journals to make the work as finished
as possible, to cover up all the tracks, to not worry about
the blind alleys or describe how you had the wrong idea first,
and so on. So there isn't any place to publish, in a dignified
manner, what you actually did in order to get to do the work.'.
Apart from the scientific side, there was a welcome cultural
dimension. Heidelberg is a city full of history and tradition.
It is dominated by an enormous castle, partially destroyed
by a fire in the 18th century, and its Old Bridge. Visitors
can discover its romantic little streets and alleyways, many
dating from the 17th century and full of atmosphere.
I would like to finish by thanking SCI in offering me this
bursary. Attending this conference has given me even more
of an incentive to pursue my studies.
Jacinto Sá
University of Aberdeen
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