In the last honeyed days of summer I spent a week in Oxford attending the first meeting of two large research groups. One group investigates tiny systems of atoms and the other is just beginning to build and explore microscopic systems of strongly interacting molecules. There were around 80 people from across the world and on each day a host of diverse presentations were given. After every two or three talks groups gathered to help resolve outstanding questions and share experiences.
I write this entry just to remember those bright days and record the remarkable spirit of the meeting which was focused and generous, curious minded and wanting to help, clever, creative and humble, objective and serious, respectful and good humoured.
Thank you to the organisers.
Images: Figures in the Ashmolean museum regarding Nature; Keble College - the host; Participants.