The 1999 COGER meeting was held on 6 - 8 September at the University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, hosted by Dr Neil Crout. There were 38 members registered for the meeting, plus a number of local participants. There were 20 oral presentations over the three days and a poster session on the first evening. Discussion sessions following the presentations were particularly lively this year.

The 1999 COGER Lecturer was Dr Gilbert Desmet, until recently coordinator of EU research programmes in environmental radioactivity, and current Chairman of the International Union of Radioecologists. Gilbert's talk was entitled 'Radioecology: trends, future and survival in the light of societal change'. In it he encouraged scientists to use their expertise to assist with decision-making needed in the practical aspects of environmental restoration of contaminated landscapes. The practical application of our scientific understanding was necessary to gain public recognition, and hence continued funding for our research.

In March 1999 the House of Commons Select Committee produced its Report on Radioactive Waste Management. It highlighted the need for an agency similar to NIREX to coordinate work in the area. The research element in the Report was small and of relatively low priority. COGER was invited to make available 'witnesses' to a subsequent public consultation exercise on the issue. In the event none were called; but Dr Francis Livens of the University of Manchester (and a COGER committee member) was called in his own right, and found it a worthwhile and interesting experience.