This NATO Advanced Research Workshop was devoted to a specialized topic in molten salt chemistry and was held in an exotic location (as far as Westerners were concerned) well within the Arctic Circle. It nevertheless facilitated a fruitful week, both ofscience and ofhuman contacts. The 42 oral presentations and posters from nine countries enabled the 59 participants to learn a great deal about many areas of recent research in the molten salt chemistry of refractory metals, while making new contacts as well as renewing old friendships. The time ofinformal contact ledto the beginningofa numberofnew research cooperations with interchangeofpersonnel. Thus the twin aimsofadvancing science and improving East-West understanding were both amply fulfilled. Indeed a warm and happy family atmosphere was very tangible doth during the scientific sessions and the social events, which participants, accompanying persons and local staffall enjoyed. This opportunity of living for a short time within the Arctic Circle was a novelty for most Westerners, who generally appreciated the very warm weather (the hottest for 20 years according to some residents), as well as the beautiful surroundings ofvery green birch/pine forest, rushing rivers,vast lakes and rounded mountains,frequently illuminated by wonderful sunsets. The evening barbeque beside Lake Imandra (100 km long) and the coach tour beside the beautiful White Sea dotted with islands in the Kandalaksha Recreational Area (National Park), to sample Pomor culture, dancing and fresh salmon soup, were high spots ofthe social programme.
