The 2009 Gordon Research Conference (GRC) on X-ray Science is being held August 2-7, 2009 at Colby College in Waterville, Maine. With an international cast of speakers, conference participants will hear about exciting X-ray-based science at 3rd generation light sources and scientific plans and early results from 4th generation sources. It is great pleasure to have more than 130 participants this time.

Gordon Conferences have a well-earned reputation for being a lively and fun opportunity to learn a lot about science. GRCs have grown considerably in scope and attendance over their 76-year history; this year nearly 200 different conferences will host over 20,000 attendees! Past attendees hold fond memories of these meetings because of their unique and personal flavor. Most conferences convene at somewhat remote, mostly rural locations where the afternoons are reserved for small group "brainstorming" and recreation. Discussions and debates are not only expected, but are encouraged. Presentations and session dialogue are kept private - no written proceedings or quotations are allowed.