Reflections

This section collects the essays from Reflections from the Frontiers (Explorations for the Future: Gordon Research Conferences 1931-2006), GRC's 75th anniversary commemorative publication.

Physical Visions
Claude Cohen-Tannoudji
Claude Cohen-Tannoudji
Laboratoire Kastler Brossel / Collège de France
Atomic Inspiration

Over the last few decades I have attended a number of Gordon Conferences. I also had the honor in 1997 of giving the Alexander Cruickshank Lecture in Atomic Physics.

Gordon Conferences provide much stimulation and gather the best experts of a given field in one place, providing the opportunity for exploration of the depths of their research problems through detailed discussion. The oral presentations are of sufficient length, but enough time is left open during the afternoons for informal discussions and the exchange of ideas. Attention is focused on the scientific problems at hand, without the distraction of having to submit manuscripts for published conference proceedings.

The structure of Gordon Conferences creates a much more fruitful environment than do the large international conferences with thousands of attendees, very short presentations, and many sessions running in parallel. Gordon Conferences have been a source of inspiration for me and have provided the point of origin for many collaborations with colleagues. I have only the warmest thoughts for the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Gordon Conferences, and I hope they will continue with the same success for many years to come.