As I write this article, SCINT2024 is currently underway and I hope that some of you got to enjoy the conference. Preparations are also in full swing for the 2024 NSS/MIC in Tampa. Like many, I too look forward to the scientific, social portions, and to meeting many of you in-person at the conference. I strongly encourage for everyone to take advantage of the nearing early-bird conference registration deadline.

The NSS/MIC Conference Joint Oversight Subcommittee (JOS) has completed evaluating proposals for the 2026 edition of NSS/MIC which is to be held in Europe. While both the site and General Chair for the conference have been selected, the contract signing is being completed before a formal announcement is made. The 2027 NSS/MIC which is to be held in North America is also at a somewhat similar stage, and a formal announcement for both the venue and conference General Chair is forthcoming.

This is also that time of the year, when I would like to highlight a competitive NPSS funding mechanism (“Initiatives”) available to support and promote pilot activities that are currently not funded under our operational budget. The proposals needs to be aligned with the strategic goals of NPSS and also benefit members of our technical area.

A couple of RISC submissions that have been funded recently are “RISC Diversity, Inclusion, and Next-Generation (DING),” and “Support of NPSS members affected by war and conflicts.”  Based on the DING initiative we are working on organizing a special event at the 2024 NSS/MIC in Tampa. The event would be a forum to interact with current and past RISC members to learn more about ways in which one can contribute to current and future RISC activities. Attendance is free, but space is expected to be somewhat limited and registration is encouraged. Please check the conference website for the most recent information.

The early submission deadline for the next NPSS Initiatives cycle is in January 2025. However, it is always helpful to reach out early via email or in-person during the conference. If you are interested and have ideas you would like us to explore, please reach out to me or our current RISC Initiatives subcommittee Chair (Lorenzo Fabris) via email or at the upcoming 2024 NSS/MIC conference in Tampa, Florida.

With an emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) related activities, NPSS has recently requested each of the TCs to appoint a DEI contact to work with the NPSS DEI Chairs. Gabriella Carini, who also currently serves as an elected member will serve as the RISC representative.

Finally, a reminder that you do not need to be an elected member to serve the radiation instrumentation community. I would encourage everyone to check our website to learn about the current RISC roster and reach out with questions and comments.

Srilalan Krishnamoorthy, RISC Chair, can be reached by E-mail at [email protected]