ABSTRACT CTS-9712850 James T. Jenkins Cornell University The conference, "Powders and Grains 97", to be held between May 18th and May 23, 1997 in Durham, NC, will bring together significant researchers from the engineering and physics communities who are interested in the mechanics of particulate materials. They will be led by an outstanding group of keynote and plenary speakers. NSF will provide support for the hotel accommodations of these invited speakers and partial support for the travel of those coming from overseas.