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From Molecular Understanding to Innovative ... - Humus.ru

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dramatically. The International Humic Substances Society, an organization that was<br />

conceived and brought in<strong>to</strong> being 27 years ago, contributed <strong>to</strong> that progress very much.<br />

The founders of IHSS provided a fo<strong>ru</strong>m in which scientists from very diverse backgrounds<br />

and scientific disciplines could meet <strong>to</strong> discuss their common interests. Such a gathering<br />

stimulated the formulation of ideas and sharing of knowledge, which would lead <strong>to</strong> a<br />

greater scientific understanding of humic substances nature. <strong>From</strong> small group at the<br />

beginnings in 1981, IHSS have grown <strong>to</strong> over 800 members in 58 countries. Nowadays,<br />

we have an internationally accessible reference and standard humic substances collection,<br />

and a recommended standard procedure for their extraction. Numerous contributions<br />

presented at previous 13 International Meetings of the IHSS played a c<strong>ru</strong>cial role in<br />

enhancing the knowledge of the st<strong>ru</strong>cture, function and reactions of these materials.<br />

Nevertheless, we have only taken the first step on the long way <strong>to</strong>wards unveiling the<br />

properties of humic matter. It is enough <strong>to</strong> say, that we are still not able <strong>to</strong> provide accurate<br />

definition of humic substances, thus IHSS Board adopted only a description of humic<br />

substances, available at IHSS website from this year.<br />

The future of our science is in the young. Without them, the lines of investigation<br />

would disappear and much of the progress made in the last years would be dashed.<br />

Having this in mind, the Society offers financial support for students, allowing them <strong>to</strong><br />

attend biannual meetings, and <strong>to</strong> become full partners in our achievements <strong>to</strong> increase<br />

knowledge on humic substances. The IHSS board appreciated very much a great<br />

response of students <strong>to</strong> the last call for Travel Support Award. Submitted contributions<br />

were of very high scientific level, and applying students indicated great achievements. I am<br />

especially looking forward <strong>to</strong> scientific sessions <strong>to</strong> learn from the 17 students who were<br />

awarded IHSS Travel Support Award <strong>to</strong> attend this meeting.<br />

The 14 th International Meeting of the IHSS is entitled "<strong>From</strong> molecular understanding<br />

<strong>to</strong> innovative applications of humic substances". The conference presents a promising<br />

program, enabling participants <strong>to</strong> discuss very different issues. I want <strong>to</strong> invite all of you <strong>to</strong><br />

bring your recent findings and discuss in friendly and stimulating ambiance. The abstracts<br />

you find in this book are an excellent basis for a thorough exchange of ideas. Have a good<br />

week with us.<br />

August 2008<br />

Jerzy Weber<br />

President of the International Humic<br />

Substances Society (IHSS)<br />

x

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