Foreword

Full text: The year 2007 brought a further increase in our scientific output. The number of publications has grown by 10%, exceeding 300. This expands the systematic growth observed over the last 7 years. It is worth noting that this increase was obtained with a constant number of 140 scientists. Among those who contributed not only to the number but also to the value of the papers were two researchers who deserved a prize of '' IPJ achievement of 2007 ''. Prof. Wilczynski published several articles explaining the mechanisms of nuclear collisions at low and medium energies [Contrib. 2.3, 2.4]. Dr. Spalinski wrote a series of papers developing theories of cosmic inflation as a consequence of D-brane dynamics of string theory [p. 155]. Apart from these theories, the group led by Dr. Barlak found an important practical application of plasma discharges [Contrib. 9.2]. They developed a technique to prepare the surface of carbon and silicone carbide for firm adhesion to copper. On the experimental side, 2007 was the last but one year of preparation for the startup of the LHC accelerator. The Department of High Energy Physics created a GRID-based infrastructure for analysis of data from LHC experiments [Contrib. 6.6]. Last year also brought new achievements in education and outreach. We organized courses for teachers introducing nuclear energy and particle physics. Lecturers from the International Atomic Energy Agency and CERN, as well as visits of teachers to CERN made those courses especially attractive. The '' Scientific Picnic '' in Warsaw and science festivals in other cities gave occasion to explain advanced science with simple words and demonstrations. The '' Physics Playground '' for children organised by Drs Pawlowski and Rozynek was invited to South Korea [p. 22]. All these activities were appreciated by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and honored by the award of '' Science popularizer of the year ''. Effort was invested in the preparation of new initiatives. We have been involved in several scientific networks and consortia, some of them even initiated and led by us [p. 19]. An important example is the Polish Nuclear Technology Platform grouping science and industry. Practical applications of nuclear technologies are the goal of the IPJ project '' Development of accelerator and detector systems for medicine and security '' which was accepted as one of the key projects in the '' Innovative Economy '' European program. The most ambitious idea developed by IPJ in 2007 is the plan to build a Polish version of the Free-Electron Laser (POLFEL) at Swierk. The project is already affiliated to the '' IRUVX FEL Network '' - pan-European distributed infrastructure recommended by the European Strategic Forum for Research Infrastructures (ESFRI). POLFEFL - a 400 m long device - may become the largest and the most modern scientific facility in our region. A decision on funding from European structural funds is expected in 2008. POLFEL, together with other research facilities in Swierk, may attract high-tech industry to collaborate with scientists on developing novel technologies. In order to facilitate technology transfer a Science and Technology Park is planned at Swierk. This idea is supported by the local authorities and we hope it will realized with structural funds of the Mazovia region. 2007 was a year of developing new ambitious projects. Next year will show us if these plans will be realized. (author)