The Venue
The Conference will be hosted by the University of Navarra, which was founded in 1952 by the Saint Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer. The University is a Corporate Work of Opus Dei (a personal prelature of the Catholic Church). The University offers 27 official degrees and over 300 postgraduate programs. With more than 16.000 students, 2449 professors, 577 research assistants and 152 doctoral dissertations in the last academic year, the University is considered one of the best universities in Spain according to quality criteria used in recent evaluation studies. In addition to the main campus in Pamplona, it has business schools in Madrid and Barcelona and a Secretarial College and Engineering School in San Sebastian. The University of Navarra also has a University Hospital, which employs around 1,700 professionals and provides treatment for over 100,000 patients every year.

Pamplona, Capital City of Navarra
Navarra is a world of sensations. Its nature, its history, the traditions and the socio-cultural events of this ancient autonomous community have made Navarra a destination that presents a unique mixture of impressions and emotions.
Pamplona, capital of the Ancient Kingdom of Navarra, is internationally known thanks to the Fiesta of San Fermín and its Bull Run. Since the foundation of Pamplona by the Romans in 75 BC, several cultures have left a rich legacy in the city. The city blends tradition and modernity in perfect harmony. The old part of the city, built in the middle ages is still surrounded by the city walls. The nearby citadel is now a public park and venue for exhibitions. Pamplona enjoys a high quality of life and modern services.

Language
The Conference official language is English, including lectures and printed material. Certain lectures by invited speakers and symposia will be held in Spanish. Details will be published in the Scientific Program.

Accommodation
The Organizing Committee appointed Ortra to reserve rooms in Pamplona at hotels of different grades, which are available to the participants at special conference rates when booked through Ortra. For more details please see the “Travel, Tours and Accommodation” page.

Pre - and post – Conference Tours
Pre and post-Conference tours in the Navarra area have been arranged for interested participants. Please see the “Travel, Tours and Accommodation” Page.

Transportation
Pamplona is easily accessible from anywhere in Europe by air or modern expressways.
Air - Pamplona Airport (Noain) has connections via Madrid and Barcelona to main European cities, while Bilbao and Biarritz are only 90 minutes drive away and provide international connections.
Drive – please visit multimap.com to plan your route
Train – please see www.renfe.es/ingles for schedules and ticket prices

Visa
Participants from most countries do not require visa to Spain. For more information, please contact the nearest Spanish Consulate / Embassy or ask your travel agent.

Climate and Clothing
Pamplona’s average temperature in September is 19.2°C (67F). No rain is expected. Warm clothes are recommended for evenings and tours. Dress will be informal throughout the Conference.

Currency
The unit of currency in Spain is Euro. US$ 1 = € 0.80 (as of April, 2004). There are no restrictions on transfer and use of foreign currencies in Spain. Most international credit cards are accepted.
Currency Exchange - www.rubicon.com/passport/currency/currency.htm