The GRC on Energetic Materials brings together scientists from many countries working in government laboratories, research universities and private industry to discuss state-of-the-art research on explosives, pyrotechnics and propellants. The main topics of discussion in 2008 will include synthesis of new materials, performance, advanced diagnostics, experimental techniques, theoretical approaches, and computational models for simulating the behavior of energetic materials under a wide variety of conditions. The meeting is an important venue for presenting cutting edge fundamental research into the chemistry, physics and materials properties associated with ignition, combustion, detonation, ageing, thermal decomposition and mechanical damage of energetics.