In 1955, the First Annual Bioassay and Analytical Chemistry Conference drafted five objectives: (1) To bring everyone up-to-date on some of the latest developments in the field of bioassay (as well as analytical and environmental radiochemistry); (2) to enable all persons actively engaged in the field of bioassay, analytical (and environmental) radiochemistry to discuss mutual problems; (3) to standardize some of the procedures commonly used by the various laboratories; (4) to enable each laboratory to become familiar with procedures used elsewhere; and, (5) to plan for the future. When those objectives were drafted, the relatively new and exciting field of radiochemistry and radiobioassay was only emerging. Fifty-four years later, the objectives remain constant. The applications may have changed and the perspective of the goal has moderated, but the fervor and passion remain, as can be seen during the defense and discussion of any presentation.

The ideas, active research, and proposals presented here are unique. The Conference provides a forum for discussion. Many distinctive studies involving radiochemistry are first described during these sessions. The Conference also provides a fertile environment in which to conduct workshops and committee meetings. In all areas the participants are encouraged to become involved in exploring and expanding those concepts, ideas, and hypotheses; and in so doing, to challenge the average in the development of solutions to the technical barriers of the past.

The results of the Conferences are obvious. After 55 years, we are still here and the original objectives remain as significant and vital as in 1955. The fundamental benefits for the participants are the application of the concepts and ideas learned and directly applied in their own work.