This volume comprises a selection of the best papers presented at the Eighth International Symposium on Applications of Laser Techniques to Fluid Mechanics, held in Lisbon in July 1996. The papers describe novel ideas for instrumentation, instrumentation developments, results of measurements of wall-bounded flows, free flows and flames and flow and combustion in engines. The papers demonstrate the continuing interest in the development of an understanding of new methodologies and implementation in terms of new instrumentation.