This conference is the second such meeting under the auspices of the International Energy Agency's Bioenergy Agreement. The first lEA sponsored Fundamentals of Thermochemical Biomass Conversion Conference was held in Estes Park in 1982 and attracted 153 delegates from 13 countries around the world at a time when interest in biomass derived energy was at a peak. Since then oil prices have fallen considerably and with most prognoses for level prices until the end of the century, there has been a significant downturn in support for biomass conversion technologies. It has been particularly encouraging, therefore, to have received such an excellent response to this meeting. A total of 122 papers were offered, and 135 delegates registered for the conference from 19 countries. The theme of this meeting was Research in Thermochemical Biomass Conversion to reflect the advances made in research, development, demonstration and com­ mercialisation since the Fundamentals meeting in 1982. The programme was divided into sections on fundamental research, applied research, and demonstration and commercial activities to emphasise the interaction and roles of all levels of research in supporting the eventual commercial implementation. The layout of the pro­ ceedings reflects this same pattern, with an introductory section on status and technoeconomics to identify opportunities and constraints in different parts of the world. All the papers included in these proceedings have been subjected to the usual peer review process to ensure the highest standards.