Aim
The overall aim of the International Power Sources Symposium is to advance the education of the general public by improving understanding and knowledge in the field of research and development in the use of non-mechanical power sources, particularly batteries and fuel cells, as well as photovoltaic and other non-electrochemical power sources.

Background
International Power Sources Symposium (IPSS) was formed in 1958. Today it is run by a board of trustees drawn from UK Government departments, academia, battery and fuel cell manufacturers and supply companies. The main functions of IPSS are to hold major Symposiums every two years, together with regular educational seminars.

Status
The organisation is a private non-profit company, limited by guarantee and is a registered charity.

Modus
The biennial symposia provide an open forum for the presentation and discussion of current thinking on research and development into the use of non-mechanical power sources, energy storage systems together with potential applications. Such sources include primary, secondary and reserve batteries, fuel cells, photovoltaic and thermoelectric systems. In achieving its aims IPSS encourages the use of environmentally friendly non-mechanical power sources. With each Symposium papers are called for on a world-wide basis, selected and presented. These papers form the basis of an authoritative book that is seen as a standard work and sold around the world. ‘Power Sources 16’ contains the record of the 20th Symposium (1997) and a definitive index covering it and all previous symposia. Copies of this and all Power Sources publications up to the latest, Power Sources 24 CD-ROM (2005 proceedings) can be obtained from the Company Secretary. Of late the IPSS Symposia have carried a special theme: 1997 Batteries in Medicine, 1999 Electric and Hybrid Vehicles 2001 Power Supplies for Communications 2003 Power Sources and the Environment and in 2005, Energy Storage and Renewable Power Sources.As part of the need to promote developments in this area of science IPSS also runs an exhibition and educational lectures alongside the Symposium as well as battery workshops, and seeks other forms of publicity for the industry through various specialist publications and national media.

The future
With the growing demand for batteries of all types, the need for robust energy storage and the ever increasing applicational needs, it is important to keep not only industrial engineers and technologists informed of developments but also strive to keep the general public advised of the continuing innovation and technical advances that are emanating from this branch of science. If you wish to know more about the International Power Sources, future Symposium, Workshops, Exhibitions and developments in battery technology, or obtain a copy of Power Sources 16, 18, 19, 24 or other Power Sources publications, or previous papers then contact the company secretary Bob Bailey at ipss@marketdevelopco.demon.co.uk

The 2007 Symposium and Exhibition, the 25th was held at the famous Georgian Assembly Rooms in spa city of Bath, United Kingdom from
Monday 23rd to Wednesday 25th April 2007.

If you wish to know more about the International Power Sources, future Symposium, Workshops, Exhibitions and developments in battery technology, or obtain a copy of Power Sources or other Power Sources publications, then contact the secretary at ipss@marketdevelopco.demon.co.uk