The Structures, Energetics and Reaction Dynamics of Gaseous Ions GRC is a premier, international scientific conference focused on advancing the frontiers of science through the presentation of cutting-edge and unpublished research, prioritizing time for discussion after each talk and fostering informal interactions among scientists of all career stages. The conference program includes a diverse range of speakers and discussion leaders from institutions and organizations worldwide, concentrating on the latest developments in the field. The conference is five days long and held in a remote location to increase the sense of camaraderie and create scientific communities, with lasting collaborations and friendships. In addition to premier talks, the conference has designated time for poster sessions from individuals of all career stages, and afternoon free time and communal meals allow for informal networking opportunities with leaders in the field.
Gaseous ions play a pivotal role in various environments, serving as crucial intermediates in processes ranging from atmospheric chemistry to astrophysical phenomena to industrial processing and forensics. In planetary atmospheres, ions contribute to chemical reactions that influence weather patterns, auroras, and even the formation of atmospheric layers. In the interstellar medium, they are central to the formation of complex molecules and the ionization of interstellar gases, thereby affecting star formation and the evolution of galaxies. In combustion, gaseous ions participate in the complex chemistry of flames, impacting energy release and pollutant formation. Beyond these natural contexts, gaseous ions are vital in mass spectrometry, a key enabling technology that underpins numerous scientific fields. Mass spectrometry allows for the precise analysis of substances by ionizing molecules and measuring their mass-to-charge ratios. This technique is indispensable in proteomics for identifying proteins, in metabolomics for studying biochemical pathways, in environmental science for detecting pollutants, and in the emerging field of personalized medicine. In forensics, mass spectrometry is used for drug detection and crime scene analysis, while in pharmaceuticals, it is employed for drug development and quality control. The ability to generate and analyze gaseous ions has revolutionized these areas, providing insights that are critical for research, industry, and beyond.
This GRC focuses on the fundamentals of gas-phase ion chemistry and applications in which gas-phase ion chemistry and physics play a pivotal role. The meeting emphasizes the development of new and the use of more mature experimental and theoretical approaches for studying the structures, energetics, and reactivity of gaseous ions and their applications to systems ranging from atomic ions to complex macro- and bio-molecular assemblies. The conference highlights experimental techniques, including mass spectrometry, optical spectroscopy, and ion mobility that enable elucidation of the intrinsic properties of both simple and complex systems. The conference includes the development of new theoretical techniques as well as the use of well-developed computational approaches in support of experimental measurements. Topics included are structural characterization of gaseous ions; fundamentals of ionization, activation, and dissociation; ion-molecule, ion-ion, ion-electron, and ion-surface interactions; ion reactivity in various environments; and a multitude of applications involving ions.
