Dates / 5 - 9,10-15 August 2008
for XII. International Congress of Bacteriology and
Applied Microbiology (5-9 August 2008, İstanbul) and
XII. International Congress of Mycology (5-9 August
2008, istanbul)
for XIV. International Congress of Virology (10-15 August 2008, istanbul)
Venue
IUMS 2008 –Meetings of the Three Divisions of the International Union of Microbiological Societies
will take place at Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Center (ICEC)
Address: Harbiye 80230 Istanbul, Turkey
http://www.icec.org
Language
The official language of the Congresses is English.
Invitation Letter
Individuals requiring an official letter of invitation in order to attend the congresses can write to
the Organising Secretariat.
This procedure is designated to assist participants to obtain a visa or permission to attend the meeting
and does not apply to registration fees or other expenses.
Scholarships
Scholarships will be granted to help young scientists from developing countries to attend the congresses
and submit their work.
• Deadline for application: 31st January 2008
• Please submit your abstract together with your scholarship application form (available on the
website). If you are not granted any scholarship, you need to send us your registration form and fee
before 1 April 2008 if you want to benefit from the early registration rate. After this date, you will
be registered at the normal registration rate.
• The scholarships will be granted in the form of waiver of registration and/or accommodation (depending
on the decision of the scholarship committee.)
Banking and Exchange Facilities
Foreign money can be changed at banks during normal business days (09.00-17.00 Monday-Friday) as well
as at hotels, at the airport and in exchange offices. Exchange rates are set daily by the Central Bank.
All major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. Automated bank machines are
available at many points throughout the city and at the airport.
Currency
The Turkish currency is New Turkish Lira. The exchange rate for Turkish Lira as of May 2007 is USD 1=
TRL 1,35 /
EUR 1= TRL 1,82.
Visa Requirements
Participants are requested to check with the Turkish Consulate in their home country or with their travel
agency or at www.mfa.gov.tr for visa requirements.
Entry visa to Turkey can also be obtained at Istanbul Atatürk Airport for a number of countries.
Istanbul
The strategic setting of Istanbul, the only city in the world built on two continents, has formed its
destiny as an imperial capital for 1600 years. From the empires of Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman, this
metropolis with its rich history and natural beauty, offers a friendly welcome and genuine hospitality.
Numerous museums, ancient churches, synagogues, basilicas, mosques, mausoleums, palaces, bazaars and
baths are standing today as the pride of all civilisations. With more than ten universities and many
institutions, Istanbul is the most important centre of Turkish science and culture.
Climate and Clothing
At the beginning of August, daytime temperatures are in the range of 30-35°C and evening temperatures
are 25-30°C. We recommend you bring light clothes.
Restaurants and Turkish Cuisine
There is a wide choice of restaurants in Istanbul offering a broad spectrum ranging from excellent national
cuisine to first class international dishes. Traditional Turkish cuisine is famous for its many specialties
prepared with fresh vegetables. There are lots of quality restaurants as well as fast-food shops in
the vicinity of the hotels reserved for this meeting.
Shopping
One of the most enjoyable parts of a trip to Turkey is shopping for the rich variety of Turkish crafts.
Istanbul is a shopping paradise with its Covered Bazaar as well as the modern malls. Turkish carpets,
kilims, suede and leatherwear as well as other items of clothing are the best buys. Copper, silver,
brassware and jewellery are also choices for buying, along with works of ceramics and the famous Turkish
meerschaum. In the Covered Bazaar bargaining over the sale price with shop traders is expected.
Telephones
Pay phones and credit card phones are available at the meeting venue as well as in the city.
Electricity
The electrical power supply in Turkey is 220 volts.
Time
Turkey is 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Tipping
Although service charge is included in most restaurants, leaving a tip at one's own discretion is appreciated.
Travel within Istanbul
Airport shuttle buses (HAVAS) run between the airport and the city center (Taksim Square) from 7.00
a.m. to 12.00 p.m. every half hour for a fee of EUR5.- per person (to be paid on the bus in Turkish
Lira). It takes about 30 min from airport to the city centre. Taksim Square is 5-10 min by taxi from
the main congress hotels and in walking distance for some. Transportation within the city centre is
by bus or by taxi. All taxis have taximeters, and the rates are reasonable.
There will be a Welcome Desk at the airport to assist with transportation.
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