Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Executive Committee of the European Society for Photobiology (ESP), the Executive Board of the International Union of Photobiology (IUPB), and the Congress Organizing Committee, we cordially invite you to attend the World Congress on Light and Life (17th Congress of the International Union of Photobiology and 18th Congress of the European Society for Photobiology), which will be held in Barcelona (Spain) from the 25th to the 30th August 2019.

This first joint ESP-IUPB global congress on light and life will provide a comprehensive international forum for the dissemination of the most recent research and technological developments in the photobiological sciences and in photomedicine, and it will offer a unique opportunity for presentation of the latest breakthroughs, exchange of new ideas, and for establishing global and far-reaching collaborations.

The broadest possible coverage of the photobiological sciences will be achieved through 60 symposia featuring 540 presentations, 5 plenary and 18 keynote lectures, complemented by poster sessions and applied photobiology sessions. An unprecedented number of speaking opportunities will enable a large fraction of the delegates to disseminate and discuss their research thereby increasing its impact. In addition, there will be the opportunity to contribute and participate in interactive poster sessions. There will be fellowships available to encourage the active participation of young scientists in the congress program.

Barcelona is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, a highly dynamic south-European and Mediterranean city with a unique mix of contemporary and historic architecture. Barcelona is a creative, modern and cosmopolitan city that offers a vast array of attractions such as the legacy of famous architect Antoni Gaudí, a large number of fine restaurants, 5 km of beaches, a medieval city center – the gothic quarter – the famous Ramblas avenue where you go to see and be seen… A city you will love. The weather in late August is pleasantly warm, with an average temperature of 24 ºC. The temperature rarely goes above 30 ºC and the probability of rain is low.

The congress venue is the hotel Crowne Plaza Fira Center. It is very conveniently located within walking distance of the city center and several museums and tourist attractions. It can be easily reached from the airport using the “Aerobus” and is also a few minutes away from the main Railway station. The Crowne Plaza has excellent facilities that ensure a smooth running of the congress.

A final word to our sponsors, to whom this invitation is warmly extended. Full recognition of their contributions will be made at the meeting as well as in Congress literature and on our website.

We look forward to welcoming you in Barcelona, a wonderful place for a memorable meeting.