51st Congress of the European
Societies of Toxicology
Bridging Sciences for Safety
13 - 16 September 2015
Porto, Portugal

General Information from A - Z

 

About Porto

Porto is the second largest city in Portugal, after Lisbon, and the capital of Northern Portugal. The Porto Metropolitan Area counts about 2 million inhabitants. Located along the Douro river estatuary in northern Portugal, Porto is one of the oldest European centres, and registered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. One of Portugal's internationally famous exports, port wine, is named for Porto, since the metropolitan area, and in particular the adegas of Vila Nova de Gaia, were responsible for the production and export of the famous wine. Porto is furthermore renowned for its delicious gastronomy as well as its rich and unique cultural heritage.

AudioVisual Equipment

All session rooms of the congress venue are equipped with modern conference technique such as beamer, screen, laptop and microphone technique. Furthermore, there will be technician in every room offering assistance during each congress session.

Awards

The Congress Organizers are delighted to announce that EUROTOX 2015 will hand over three awards to Scientists for the best poster presentation of their research work. The following awards will be given during the closing ceremony on-site...Read More HERE.

Certificate of Attendance

Certificates of attendance will be sent to every fully registered delegate on request.

Climate and Clothing

Portugal has a temperate maritime climate. Summers are very sunny with average temperatures between 16 C (61 F) and 27 °C (81 F) but can rise up to 40 C (104 F). Winter temperatures typically range between 5°C (41°F) during morning and 15°C (59 F) in the afternoon and rarely drop below 0 C (32°F) at night. In Porto, long periods with mild temperatures and sunny days are frequent.
However, it is also one of the wettest cities of Europe. Number of sunny days per year: 250

Congress App

By means of the EUROTOX 2015 app, all important congress information is always accessible quickly and easily on your smartphone or tablet, among others mobile access to the scientific programme, schedule and the exhibitors & sponsors list. Thus, it will make your congress attendance as effective as possible. The app is available shortly before the congress via the corresponding link (to be communicated).

Link: http://bit.ly/Eurotox-app

Congress Badge

All delegates and accompanying persons must wear the congress’ identification badge visibly at any time on-site at the venue. Entrance to the session rooms as well as to the poster and exhibition areas will only be permitted to persons wearing the congress badge.

Congress Dates

Congress :
Sunday, September 13 to Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Exhibition:
Sunday, September 13 to Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Congress Organization

K.I.T. Group GmbH Dresden
Muenzgasse 2                 
01067 Dresden, Germany
Phone: +49 351 4967 541
Email: info@eurotox2015.org

Congress President

Professor Félix Carvalho
Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto
Department of Biological Sciences
Laboratory of Toxicology
Rua José Viterbo Ferreira nº 228
4050-313 Porto
Portugal

Congress Venue

Alfândega Congress Centre Porto
Centro de Congressos Da Alfândega do Porto
Rua nova da Alfândega
Edificio da Alfândega
4050-430 Porto
Portugal
http://www.ccalfandegaporto.com/

Copy Shops

If you need to print out something on-site in Porto (e.g. your poster), please consult a copy shop.

Credit Cards

Usually, all important international credit cards – Master Card (Euro Card), VISA and American Express – are accepted, especially in hotels, shopping centres or petrol stations. However, we recommend asking before paying by credit card. Drawing cash from your foreign account is possible at any ATM in Porto.

Currency & Banks

As Portugal is a member of the European Monetary Union, the official currency is Euro (€). Most banks are open Monday to Friday from 08h30 until 15h00. Foreign currency and travellers’ cheques can be changed in all of these banks or special exchange offices. Therefore, you just need to show a valid ID.

Disclaimer

Neither the Local Organizing Committee of EUROTOX 2015 nor the conference organizer and/or its agents shall be liable for any direct or indirect damages suffered by any participant at any time. This includes consequential and immaterial damage, loss of personal property or cancellation expenses – except for any wilful damage or gross negligence committed by the EUROTOX 2015 organizers and/or its agents.

For reasons beyond their control (such as war, strikes, lockouts or any other civil disturbances, earthquakes, floods and droughts or any other natural disturbances that have an impact on the EUROTOX conference or any arranged part related to the congress), the Local Organizing Committee of the EUROTOX 2015 and/or the conference organizer may immediately alter or cancel the congress or any of it arrangements. The participants shall not receive any kind of compensation for any damages resulting from such alteration or cancellation.

Electricity

The standard in Portugal is 220 volts, 50 Hz.
Delegates from North America require a transformer and British participants need an adaptor.

Exhibition Area

The congress venue, the Alfândega Congress Centre Porto, possesses state-of-the-art conference technique. The commercial exhibition, the poster area, session and workshop rooms as well as cafeteria spots for the breaks will be hosted together in the exhibition area "West Ground Floor", located on the Ground Floor of the congress centre. 

Food and Refreshments

During all morning and afternoon breaks, coffee, tea and refreshments will be served. During all lunch breaks, snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Kindly note, that food and drinks will only be served to all fully registered congress delegates and exhibitors. On Sunday and Wednesday, there are no official congress lunch breaks. Special requests such as dietary requirements can be communicated to the congress organization.

Sunday, September 13, 2015: Coffee and Lunch Break for registered CEC attendees; Welcome Reception with snacks and drinks

Monday & Tuesday, September 14 & 15, 2015: Coffee and Lunch Break for registered congress attendees in the exhibition area

Wednesday, September 16, 2015: Coffee break only (no lunch break) for registered congress attendees in the foyers in front of the session rooms

Gala Dinner

The Gala Dinner in the course of the EUROTOX 2015 Congress will take place on Tuesday, 15 September, 2015 (starting at 20h00) in The Stock Exchange Palace (Palácio da Bolsa). This historical building in Porto was built in the 19th century by the city's Commercial Association (Associação Comercial) in Neoclassical style. It is located at the Infante D. Henrique Square in the historical centre of Porto, designated World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Tickets for the Gala Dinner can be booked in line with the online registration to the congress (through the online registration platform).

Health

There are plenty of doctors of all practices throughout Porto. In case of emergency, hospitals as well as many private clinics are open 24 hours daily. There are also many pharmacies and some of them stay open all night long.

Hospitals in Porto:
São João Hospital: +351 22 551 21 00
Santo António Hospital: +351 22 207 75 00

National emergency number: 112

Insurances

Participants are kindly advised to arrange proper health & ravel insurances for the duration of their stay in Portugal on their own.

Invitation Letter

Participants may request an invitation letter for VISA application in line with their online registration to the congress (full payment of all congress fees is required).

Language

The official language in Portugal is Portuguese. The executive language of the congress is English. Kindly note, that there will be no translations during any session.

Local Time

The standard time zone in Porto is GMT (0). In summer, Porto is one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, GMT (+1).

Mobile Phones

 

Participants are kindly advised to deactivate their mobile phones inside the congress halls during all sessions and presentations.

Parking

Parking at the Alfandega is for free for EUROTOX 2015 delegates.

Venue Plan

However, as there is limited space available on-site at the congress venue, we recommend reaching the Alfândega Congress Centre either by public transport or by foot.

Poster Sessions / Areas

All poster will be displayed on the Ground Floor of the Alfândega Congress Centre Porto in the Exhibition Area (West Ground Floor), in the foyers and the Miniaturas Hall.
• Poster Session I: Monday, September 14, 2015, 14h00 - 16h00
-> All posters with poster numbers starting with P01 to P09
• Poster Session II: Tuesday, September 15, 2015, 15h00 - 17h00
-> All posters with poster numbers starting with P10 to P22

POSTERS

Post Office

In Portugal, the official colour of the Portuguese post (Correios de Portugal) is red. Post offices are usually open between 8h30 and 18h00. Stamps can be bought at vending machines in front of the post offices as well. You can choose between normal post (Correio Normal) and express post (Correio Azul) which is marked in blue.

Programme

The detailed programme outline comprises 6 Continuing Education Courses, 9 Symposia, 14 Workshops as well as Keynote Lectures from key scientists, among others: Alexandre Tiedtke Quintanilha, Portugal; Jeremy Nicholson, UK; Maurice Whelan, Italy; George Daston, USA; Emanuela Corsini, Italy. Furthermore, two poster sessions will be held on Monday and Tuesday afternoon.

Public Transport

Porto possesses an efficient and reliable public transport system. STCP is the company in charge with the local surface public transport system of Porto. There are six metro lines, 3 tram lines as well as several bus routes offering daily services throughout the city. Tickets can be bought everywhere at the corresponding vendor machines at affordable prices. More information is available at:
http://www.porto-tourism.com/how-to-get-around-in-porto.html

Registration Desk / Opening Hours

For receiving your congress material or for registering on-site, please contact the organizers at the registration desk. It will operate daily as follows:

  • Sunday,  13 September, 2015: 08h00 – 19h00
  • Monday, 14 September, 2015: 08h00 – 18h00
  • Tuesday, 15 September, 2015: 08h00 – 19h00
  • Wednesday, 16 September, 2015: 08h00 – 14h00

Registration on-site

On-site Registrations are possible. However, interested delegates should be aware, that the accommodation and the possibility of attending at the Gala Dinner/Tours is limited/subject to availability.

Registration type (Fees applying from September 1, 2015)
Members (EUROTOX, SOT, PSP): 780.00 €
Non-Members: 860.00 €
Students: 350.00 €
Young Investigators: 550.00 €
Accompanying Persons: 120.00 €
CEC, Standard Registration Fee: 280.00 €
CEC, Students Fee: 160.00 €
Gala Dinner Ticket: 100.00 €

Restaurants and Local Cuisine

Portugal is famous for its exquisite traditional food and port wines. Its cuisine is as rich and diverse as its landscape. Typically, fresh seafood such as Cataplanas is served, but also many different meat dishes, e.g. cozido à portuguesa, a mix of meats, vegetables and various sausages. The Portuguese high quality olive oil is part of every dish as well. Of course, each dish is accompanied by the appropriate wine and exquisite cheese. At the end of a typical meal, a pastel de nata (custard tart) is a must, together with coffee, which inhabitants drink in the form of espresso.
Thus, you will find a lot of excellent restaurants in and around Porto. People can choose between all types of restaurants as well as all quality levels. For gaining an overview about the Top 10, you may visit the following website: http://www.10best.com/destinations/portugal/porto/restaurants/

Safety

Portugal is considered to be a safe city. However, as in all major European cities, people should take care of their belongings at any time. Especially in the city centre or when using public transport, it is advisable to carry your bag and purse close to your body.

Shopping

Porto offers various opportunities for shopping, possessing numerous shops and shopping malls in the city centre. The majority of them offer an excellent value for money. Shops are usually open Mondays to Saturdays from 9h00 and 18h00. On Sundays shops are closed. Some supermarkets and special kiosks may stay open longer. Popular shopping destinations are Rua de Cedofeita and Rua Santa Catarina, Rua da Fabrica, famous for its bookstores and Rua Galeria da Paris with art galleries and art shops. Rua do Miguel Bombarda and Rua do Almada are also lined with lots of shops from all big retailers. Tourists should also not miss to explore the celebrated wineries of Porto and get the most typical Portuguese gift: the Port Wine

Smoking Policy

The EUROTOX 2015 is a non - smoking congress. It is prohibited to smoke anywhere inside the congress centre. In general, it is prohibited to smoke in public buildings (including restaurants and bars) in Porto. However, several restaurants, bars and hotels offer special areas/rooms for smokers.

Social Programme

In line with your stay at the EUROTOX 2015 congress in Porto, several evening events as well as social tours are offered. You will have the opportunity to exploit and enjoy the unique beauty of this city and its surroundings during tours ranging from half-day visits through the city and its most attractive sights as well as full-day visits of its surroundings. Just select the one that suits you most and discover Porto!

Speaker's Dinner

The Speaker`s Dinner will take place on Monday, September 14, 2015, and is restricted to Invited Speaker´s, attendance on invitation only.

Speaker Preview Room/Media Center

The Speaker Preview Room for Invited Speakers (Room “Ribeira I and II”) is located in the Alfândega Congress Centre, on Level 2, next to the Plenary Session Room. Opening hours:

  • Sunday,  13 September, 2015: 08h00 – 19h00
  • Monday, 14 September, 2015: 08h00 – 18h00
  • Tuesday, 15 September, 2015: 08h00 – 19h00
  • Wednesday, 16 September, 2015: 08h00 – 13h00

Special Needs

Delegates and accompanying persons with special needs are invited to advise the congress organization concerning any special requirements. The congress venue is equipped with all necessary facilities for persons with special needs.

Taxi

There are plenty of fast and reliable taxi services in and around Porto. They are available 24 hours a day and are very efficient, especially regarding airport transfers. A normal taxi transfer (e.g. from the airport to the city centre) should cost between 15 and 20 euros and takes between 20 and 30 minutes. A 20% surcharge is payable at weekends, on public holidays and between 21h00 and 06h00. For more information, please visit: www.taxisporto.com.

Telephone

The dial in code for Portugal is 00 351.

Tipping

A service charge (called serviço) is not usually included in otel and restaurant bills in Portugal. If the service warrants, it is common to tip an additional 10 % (the amount depending on the quality of the service you receive). The bill at the restaurant only charges for what you eat; so you may leave a tip of 10% +. In hotels, you may leave a tip of 1 to 2 EUR for the personnel carrying your luggage up to the room or to the maid. Taxi drivers can be tipped by any amount you wish, which is not a prerequisite however.

VISA Requirements

Participants from member countries of the European Union just need a valid ID for travelling to Portugal. Delegates from America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan or other countries require a valid passport. Most of the visitors from other foreign countries may stay in Portugal for a time period of three months without visa. We recommend checking the conditions with your local authorities in due time in advance.

Websites of Interest

• Porto Convention & Visitors Bureau: www.visitportoandnorth.travel
• Porto International Airport: www.ana.pt
• Porto Public Transport: www.porto-tourism.com/how-to-get-around-in-porto
• Taxi Service: www.taxisporto.com
• Tourism: www.visitportugal.com/en/

Welcome Reception

The Welcome Reception will take place on Sunday, September 13, 2015, starting from 19h00 in the Exhibition Area (West Ground Floor) and the participation is free for every registered congress delegate, exhibitors and accompanying persons.

WLAN

Wireless LAN Access is available in the Alfândega Congress Centre for free for all congress delegates. You will receive the access code on-site.