Synchrotron based investigations have made wide-ranging impacts in environmental science. For example, they have increased our fundamental understanding of heavy metal bioavailability in contaminated aquifers, elucidated the mechanisms by which living organisms utilize carbon, sulfur, chlorine, and metal ions to control the compositions of potable water supplies, and accelerated the clean-up and closure of radionuclide-contaminated nuclear legacy sites.

The fourth conference on Synchrotron Environmental Science (SES IV), to be held in San Francisco, Dec 11-13, 2008 (immediately prior to the Fall 2008 American Geophysical Conference), will highlight the growing role of synchrotron based studies in environmental science. Presentations from internationally-renowned speakers will explore emerging scientific frontiers and current challenges in global environmental problems, including CO2 sequestration, environmental remediation, climate change, marine science, and atmospheric science. The conference will also highlight new synchrotron methods and facility developments in North American. This conference is being supported by DOE offices of Basic Energy Sciences, Biological and Environmental Research, and by the US NSF.

Participation by graduate students, post docs, and other prospective synchrotron facility users is strongly encouraged. One day of hands-on sessions and introductory-level talks will provide important information, perspectives, and networking opportunities to these participants. Travel fellowships will be provided to qualified graduate student and postdoctoral researchers to encourage their participation.

SES-IV will catalyze new research partnerships and opportunities in earth, energy, and environmental sciences. All who are interested are invited to participate and should visit the conference web site at http://esd.lbl.gov/sesIV08/index.html.