On behalf of the Organizing Committee, it is our great pleasure to welcome you to the 28th International Liquid Crystal Conference (ILCC2020), in Lisbon, Portugal, from 26th to 31st July 2020.
Since 1965, when the first ILCC was organized at Kent State University, all ILCC meetings have been outstanding events at which the liquid crystal community gets together to present the newest breakthroughs and ideas. The 28th ILCC meeting will be an excellent inclusive opportunity to discuss current issues and challenges, to support and appreciate the achievements of early-career researchers and young students.
The conference site, the Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon, is located in the Campo Grande area of northern Lisbon, less than 2 km from Lisbon Airport, well served by public transport including two metro lines, and within walking distance of many hotels.
The Faculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon main lecture theatre has a special significance to the Liquid Crystal community, as it was the stage for the seminars of Pierre-Gilles de Gennes when he visited Lisbon in 2004.
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and its largest city. The city was founded around 1200 BC by the Phoenicians, who traded from its port and named it Alis-Ubo making it one of the oldest cities in the world.
The city flourished as a trading center during the four centuries of Moorish rule, and Alfama—Lisbon’s oldest district—retains its intricate Arab-influenced layout. With almost 900 years of history, Portugal is one of the oldest nation-states in Europe and Lisbon is the westernmost capital city on the European mainland.
Lisbon in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries became known for the “Portuguese Discoveries”: sail ships left from its port for Africa, Asia, Oceania and South America, expanding European influence to all continents and establishing an empire that lasted nearly 600 years.
The city of Lisbon is rich in architecture; Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, Baroque, Modern and Postmodern constructions can be found all over Lisbon. The city is also crossed by historical boulevards and dotted with monuments along its main thoroughfares.
Lisbon is located on the north bank of the Tagus river estuary, which flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Both river and the nearby sea endow Lisbon with a very special mild climate and a unique light. Lisbon is also known as the “city of the seven hills”, celebrated for its excellent cuisine, and for its ancient and picturesque corners that contrast among modern and cosmopolitan areas. We will work to develop an unforgettable scientific program with a unique atmosphere, and exquisite opportunities to meet colleagues from all over the world.
The Organizing Committee hopes that you will enjoy ILCC2020 and that besides attending the scientific sessions you will find some time to explore the city and enjoy the cultural heritage of Lisbon. We will do our best to ensure that your stay in Lisbon will be both pleasant and productive.
Maria Helena Godinho Margarida Telo da Gama
