BNASS (Biennial National Atomic Spectroscopy Symposium) is the biennial meeting of the RSC Atomic Spectroscopy Group and provides an ideal forum to encourage the exchange of ideas and knowledge in analytical atomic spectroscopy. BNASS will celebrate its 20th event and during its history, there have been some tremendous changes in atomic spectroscopy. These advances have been showcased at BNASS, which has built an international reputation for both the quality of the science presented and the unique style of the symposium, enabling delegates to meet and discuss issues in a social setting. The meeting includes a mix of established and younger speakers, and the organisers would especially like to encourage young researchers to present their results in short oral presentations within each of the topic sessions.