Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to Windsor, Ontario, Canada for the XXVI International Acoustical Imaging Symposium. This traditional scientific event has been widely recognized as the premier forum for presentations of advanced research results in both theoretical and experimental developments. The origin of this Symposium series can be traced to 1967, when a meeting on acoustical holography was held in the USA. From one meeting to another, our traditional Symposium provides an opportunity for specialists who are working in this area to make new acquaintances, renew old friendships, and present the recent results of their research.

We are excited to be hosting this year's Symposium in Canada's Automotive Capital and City of Roses. This marks the first time that the IAIS has come to Ontario and only the second time to Canada since its inception almost 35 years ago. Together with an interesting Scientific Program, we have also planned nonscientific activities for you to participate in. These include a cruise along the Detroit River, a visit to our Art Gallery, a trip to Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village, the historic mansion that once belonged to the Walker family famous for Canadian Club Whiskey, various local wineries and much more.

The present Symposium has grown significantly in scope due to the broad interest of various topics and the quality of the presentations. At past meetings, we had very intensive discussions to find the best format for future symposia, including multiple and poster sessions that were incorporated into previous meetings. Our organizers decided to return to the original format of one single oral session with a break in the oral schedule for a poster session with sufficient time to allow for in-depth presentation as well as discussion.

The current meeting therefore follows the old-fashion manner, with only one exclusive modification—a Special Session "History of Acoustical Imaging" including the following speakers: Andrew Briggs, Noriyoshi Chubachi, Robert Green Jr., Joie Jones, Kenneth Erikson, Bernard Tittman, Fatemi Mostafa. We have divided the program into seven sessions: Physics and Mathematics of Acoustical Imaging, Imaging Processing, Components and Systems, Microscopy and Microscanning, Biological and Medical Applications; Material Characterization and Nondestructive Evaluation, Geophysical and Underwater Acoustical Imaging. As a cap to the Symposium, we have arranged a thematic exhibition that will allow you to have direct communication with high-tech specialists.

I hope that you will share my enthusiasm for the XXVI International Acoustical Imaging Symposium. I look forward to seeing you here in Windsor, enjoying our sunny September days.

Best wishes

Roman Gr. Maev

Chairman