Miniaturized user-friendly mass spectrometers could play a huge role in safeguarding the nation, and about 150 of the world's best mass spectrometrists will be in Knoxville this month to showcase the latest in the field. The workshop, scheduled for Sept. 16-18 at the Marriott Hotel, is focusing on raising the awareness among the broader scientific community, policy makers and people whose jobs involve improving national security. For many homeland and national security purposes, researchers will have to make mass spectrometers more affordable and highly portable. Only then can mass spectrometers expand their already important use in the laboratory to include field use by security personnel, first responders and soldiers. Conference coordinator and Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientist Gary Van Berkel hopes the event will "foster interaction among those involved in helping chart a course forward for the use of mass spectrometry in homeland security." In addition to numerous lectures from distinguished scientists, the event will feature products of several companies and demonstrations of technologies.