sea proposal to host xvi international clay conference ... · – sea), and prof. j.l....

SEA proposal to host

XVI International Clay Conference

“Clays, from oceans to space”

in Granada (Spain)

XVI ICC 2017: Clays, from oceans to space

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Table of Contents

1. Formal Proposal 3

1.1. Main organizer 3

1.2. Local, regional, national organizations involved 3

1.3. Planned financial contributors 4

1.4. Proposed Conference dates, Year 4

1.5. Composition of Committees 4

Organizing Committee 4

Scientific Committee 4

Local Committee 4

1.6. Conference Logo 5

1.7. Conference Venue: Parque de las Ciencias, Granada 5

1.8. Proposed Technical Program 7

Program at-a-glance 7

Abstracts 8

Publication of presentations 8

Prizes 8

1.9. AIPEA School for Your Scientists (ASYS) 9

1.10. Database of people and institutions 9

1.11. Social Program 9

1.12. Preliminary Budget 10

1.13. Relevant dates and milestones 10

2. Why Granada 11

2.1. City 11

2.2. How to reach Granada 12

2.3. Hotel accommodation 13

2.4. What not to miss in Granada 13

APPENDIX A: Budget and Conference fees 15

APPENDIX B: Support letters from the Mayor of the City of Granada

and Rector of the University of Granada 17


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1. Formal Proposal

1.1. Main organizer

Spanish Clay Society (SEA)

The Spanish Clay Society was founded in May 1959 as the Spanish Clay Minerals Group. At the

1969 meeting it was decided to create the official Spanish Clay Society (Sociedad Española de Arcillas

– SEA), and Prof. J.L. Martín-Vivaldi was elected as first president.

The aim of the new society was to bring together Spanish clay scientists in organizations around

the world by encouraging contacts with other national groups and organizing international scientific

meetings. Some significant steps taken towards this aim have been:

• 1970: First Spanish-Belgian Clay Meeting, in Madrid, as a basis for the establishment of the

European Clay Meetings (Euroclay Conferences)

• 1971: A Second Belgian-Spanish Clay Meeting, Louvain (Belgium)

• 1972: IV International Clay Conference, Madrid. The Conference was held in Madrid (June 23-

30), with Prof. J.L. Martín-Vivaldi as Secretary and Prof. F.V. Chukhrov (USSR) President of

AIPEA.

• 1987: 6th Meeting of the European Clay Groups - Euroclay’87 in Seville (September 7-10).

Chairman of this Conference was Prof. E. Galán.

• 1988: Creation of the Martín-Vivaldi Award, in honor of Prof J.L. Martín Vivaldi, as an award

for young Spanish clay scientists.

• 1990: The Martín-Vivaldi Award became a European Award, sponsored by the European Clay

Group Association (ECGA) and financially supported by SEA.

Throughout its history of over 50 years, SEA has taken part in the organization of national and

international meetings and its members have contributed to other international scientific gatherings.

In view of this record, the SEA Council has approved the submission of a proposal to the AIPEA

Council for the 16th International Clay Conference to be held in Spain.

1.2. Local, regional, national organizations involved

• Earth Sciences Institute of Andalusia (Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra – IACT)

http://www.iact.csic.es/

• Congresos UGR

• Spanish Clay Society (Sociedad Española de Arcillas – SEA)

http://www.sea-arcillas.es/

• University of Granada http://www.ugr.es/

• Higher Council for Scientific Research (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – CSIC)

http://www.csic.es/web/guest/home


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1.3. Planned Financial Contributors

• Ministry of Economy and Competitivity – Government of Spain (Ministerio de Economía y

Competitividad – Gobierno de España)

• Regional Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Science – Regional Government of Andalusia

(Consejería de Economía, Innovación y Ciencia – Junta de Andalucía)

• Higher Council for Scientific Research (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas – CSIC)

1.4. Proposed Conference Dates, Year

July, 17-21, 2017

1.5. Composition of Committees

Organizing Committee (OC)

Conference chairman: Dr. Alberto López Galindo, IACT

Treasurer: Dr. César Viseras Iborra, Dpt. of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical

Technology (UGR) and IACT.

Members: • SEA President

• Dr. Fernando Nieto García, Dpt. of Mineralogy and Petrology

(UGR). Representative of Technical Sessions

• Dr. Francisca Martínez Ruíz, IACT. Representative of grants and

students

• Dr. Miguel Ortega Huertas, Dpt. of Mineralogy and Petrology

(UGR). Representative of Institutional Relations

• Dr. Claro Ignacio Sainz Díaz, IACT. Representative of ASYS

• Other members to be selected

Scientific Committee

This will consist of the Organizing Committee and the convenors responsible for the sessions and

symposia. The Organizing Committee may add other researchers depending on the specific

requirements.

Local Committee

This will consist of the Organizing Committee and other members.


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1.6. Conference Logo

The logotype for the congress seeks to bring together the environments in which clay minerals

are found, “Clays, from oceans to space”.

1.7. Conference Venue: Parque de las Ciencias, Granada

The Science Park (Parque de las Ciencias) is an interactive museum over 70.000 m2 in size.

Located a few minutes on foot from the historic city centre of Granada, it has one of the most varied

offers for cultural and scientific leisure in Europe. The consortium managing the Park includes,

among others, the University of Granada, the Higher Council for Scientific Research (CSIC), the

Regional Ministry of Economy, Innovation and Science of the Regional Government of Andalusia and

Granada City Hall.

The recently extended Science Park (Parque de las Ciencias) has the following installations:

• Auditorium with capacity for 500 people.

• 5 modern, well equipped halls with capacity for 50 – 150 people

• Meeting room available for AIPEA Council meetings and other restricted meetings of

specific commissions

• Extensive space for installation of 200 posters

• Area for Congress Secretary’s Office

• Collection point for material related to presentations

• Hall equipped with computers and Internet access

• Wi-FI throughout the premises

• Car parking available at visitor rates

• Cafeteria and restaurant,

• Broad areas available for meetings and exchanges among participants

Besides the restaurant inside the Conference Venue there are many other restaurants and bars

in the surrounding area.

http://www.parqueciencias.com/parqueciencias/index.html


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1.8. Proposed Technical Program

The conference is planned to cover five days. On each day there will be a plenary lecture on a

cutting-edge topic of general interest for the clay science community. Emphasis will be on a

maximum of parallel sessions, combined with a fully integrated poster presentation facility

comprising up to 200 posters. There will be ample time specially reserved for poster sessions during

the conference, in addition to time for discussion during coffee and lunch breaks.

Program at-a-glance

July 16 July 17 July 18 July 19 July 20 July 218:30 8:30

9:30 9:30

10:20 10:20

10:50 10:50

11:20 11:20

11:50 11:50

13:40 13:40

15:00 15:00

16:00 16:00

16:30 16:30

17:00 17:00

17:30 17:30

18:20 18:20

19:30 19:30

20:30 20:30

21:00 21:00

21:30 21:30

Concert

Social dinner

Ice-breaking

party

Registration

Closing ceremony

Promotional

Lecture

Sessions Sessions Free afternoon Sessions

Lunch Lunch Lunch

Sessions Sessions

Coffee-break Coffee-break Coffee-break Coffee-break

Posters session Posters session Posters sessionAIPEA business

meetingPosters session

Coffee-break

Plenary lecture Plenary lecture

Open Ceremony

Lunch Lunch

Sessions

Sessions Sessions Sessions

Coffee-break Coffee-break Coffee-break

Plenary lecture

SessionsSessions

Plenary lecture

Coffee-break

Sessions

Coffee-break

Plenary lecture


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The Conference Program may be modified in view of comments and suggestions from the

Organizing and Scientific Committees.

The technical sessions proposed by the convenors will be grouped into the following thematic

areas:

o Mineralogy

o Geology and Geochemistry

o Environment and Soils

o Interaction between clays and organic molecules and organisms

o Ceramics, Zeolites

o Nanomaterials and Clay technology

o Miscellaneous

A call for proposals will be made to organize the sessions along the preceding lines. At least two

convenors, preferably from different places, will be in charge of each session. The Organizing

Committee will make the final proposal. Sessions with little support will be fused with others on a

similar topic or will be cancelled. The designated convenors will then be responsible for publicizing

their sessions on the Congress’s web-site and all other organization required (evaluation of

contributions, naming of key-note speakers, choice of oral presentations and posters, etc.). The

standard duration of sessions will be two hours, to include 1 mini-lecture and 4-5 oral presentations.

Broader topics may extend over more than one session. The Organizing Committee will guarantee a

general session to accommodate presentations not included in any specific session.

The Organizing Committee will be ultimately responsible for classifying the sessions by subject,

fusing those with similar themes, eliminating those with little participation and providing a hearing

for all presentations in additional sessions. Thematic symposia of longer duration may also be

considered.

Abstracts

Delegates will be provided with an Abstracts volume, (updated) Program and Participants list

upon registration. Abstracts will be available on line at least 15 days before the Conference.

Publication of presentations

Agreements will be sought with scientific journals such as Applied Clay Science, Clay Minerals,

European J. Mineralogy, etc. Publication will be the responsibility of the associate editors and the

publishing group. Convenors may make such arrangements independently.

Prizes

In addition to the prizes sponsored by the AIPEA, 2 other prizes of 500 euros each shall be

awarded for the best oral presentation and the best poster. The Organizing Committee shall name an

international jury to award these prizes.


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1.9. AIPEA School for Young Scientists (ASYS)

A pre-conference school will be held over two days on a trend topic in clay science to be decided

with the assistance of the Organizing Committee. Possible topics: Electron microscopy, Clays in the

Solar system.

• Participants: Young Scientists up to 99 years old. Places available: 25

• Venue: depending on topic, Earth Sciences Institute of Andalusia (IACT) or Science Faculty

UGR

• Chair: to be decided by the Organizing Committee depending on subject matter.

• Book: All lectures will be included in a book of the AIPEA Educational Series (AES), distributed

free of charge to all participants (students and lecturers) of the School.

• Fees: Tentative fees are 300 €, including technical sessions, accommodation, meals and

book.

• Teachers: To be appointed according to the ASYS topic. They will be provided with

accommodation and meals for the two days of the school. Teachers should attend all

lectures and be available to interact with the participants. Conference registration fees will

be waived for teachers.

• Grants: Three fee grants will be offered by the Organizing Committee. The different National

Clay Groups will also be requested to finance some inscriptions for their students.

1.10. Database of people and institutions

Mailing and publicizing of the Conference will be done using a database of approximately 20,000

scientists, supplied by courtesy of Dr. Saverio Fiore.

1.11. Social Program

In addition to the scientific and professional contents of the conference, a range of social

opportunities for networking and for enjoying Granada and the surroundings will be available. This is

part of the congress budget.

The social program currently includes:

• Welcoming reception

• Visit to the Alhambra

• Free visits to the exhibitions in the Science Park during conference dates for delegates and

escorts

There are many exciting places to visit in Granada. Visits and tours to places of tourist interest

such as the Cathedral, the Royal Chapel, Charterhouse Monastery, Sierra Nevada, etc., will be

facilitated for participants and their escorts who so desire.


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During the course of the Congress promotional activities will be organized to include explanatory

talks on questions concerning clays.

In addition, an act is proposed to be held in collaboration with the University of Granada to

acknowledge the work of Prof. Juan Luis Martín Vivaldi, founder of the Clays School and former

Professor of the University.

1.12. Preliminary Budget

The preliminary budget is based on 500 delegates (see Appendix A). The registration fee is

“focused” on the scientific issues, with a range of personal options. The conference fee includes:

• All scientific conference sessions, all receptions, and unrestricted visit of the Science Park

• Abstract volume

• Program and participants list in electronic format

• All coffee-breaks (at conference venue)

• Conference badge and bag

There will be ample additional possibilities to extend the stay/visit to Granada as well as to avail

oneself of several options, at personal cost. Granada tourist office will likewise offer a range of free

options. Both types of add-on possibilities will be described in full and published on the conference

website well in advance of the conference.

The Organizing Committee will offer registration fee and lodging contributions for a number of

student delegates, preferentially from developing countries. The final number of grants will depend

of the total number of participants. The Organizing Committee will draw up the regulations for this

type of assistance, with preference for natives of developing countries and students with low

incomes.

1.13. Relevant dates and milestones

15 October 2015 Call for session proposal

31 December 2015 Deadline for session proposals

31 March 2016 List of sessions

30 April 2016 Mailing to announce sessions and call for abstracts

15 February 2017 Deadline for abstract submissions

15 March 2017 Abstract acceptance and definite list of sessions

1 April 2017 End of Early registration

15 July 2017 ASYS starts

17 July 2017 15 ICC opening ceremony


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2. Why Granada

Research into clays has a long tradition in Spain, this school having been initiated by Juan Luis

Martín Vivaldi (Granada) and Dr. José María Serratosa. A large number of researchers in the

University of Granada (Departments of Mineralogy and Petrology, Soil Science, and Agricultural

Chemistry), as well as the Instituto Andaluz de Ciencias de la Tierra (CSIC-UGR) are at present

engaged on different projects related to this field.

Granada boasts the third university in Spain by number of students, with several campuses, and

researchers working in university research institutes, the CSIC and other national research

organizations.

University: The University is a vibrant presence in the city of Granada, benefiting from the distinctive

beauty of its environment and a privileged geographical location due to its proximity to the Sierra

Nevada, an excellent ski resort, and the Mediterranean coast, with several major tourist sites,

including Motril, Almuñécar and Salobreña. In Granada, there are four University Campuses, as well

as the “Campus Centro”, bringing together all the faculties and institutes spread throughout the

historic part of the city. The UGR's policy of using buildings of historical and cultural value has

enriched its heritage, as well as promoting the restoration and maintenance of these buildings. In

addition to this emphasis on more traditional elements, the Health Sciences Technological Park,

which is still being developed, demonstrates our strong commitment to innovation by promoting

interaction with technological bio-health companies and favoring high-quality healthcare and

biomedical knowledge. There are two other UGR Campuses in the cities of Ceuta and Melilla, in

North Africa.

Over 60,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students study at the UGR, with another 20,000

students taking additional courses, language courses, summer courses etc. The University employs

3650 lecturers and over 2000 administration, technical and maintenance staff. At present, courses

for 75 different qualifications are taught in the 28 teaching centers of the UGR. The courses are

taught across 116 departments. The Postgraduate School offers 68 master's courses, 116 doctorate

programs and 113 additional courses.

Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas: The CSIC has five centres in Granada (Earth Sciences

Institute of Andalusia, Zaidín Experimental Station, López Neyra Insitute of Parasitology, Astrophysics

Institute of Andalusia and the School of Arabic Studies) totaling over 1000 personnel.

2.1. City

There are few cities in the world with a history as far-reaching, as diverse, and so well reflected

in its streets and monuments. As capital of the last Muslim kingdom of the Iberian Peninsula, the city

chosen by the Catholic Monarchs to be their final resting place and the temporary residence of the

Emperor Carlos V, Granada has enriched its cultural heritage throughout the years, and has become


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one of the most attractive and magnificent cities in Spain. Its community of museums, imposing

monuments, and districts full of local color means that it is impossible to take in everything that

Granada has to offer in just one day.

2.2. How to reach Granada

Granada is located in the heart of Andalusia at the foot of the Sierra Nevada and quite close to

the Mediterranean Sea. A place with gentle summers perfect to enjoy sports in a privileged district

with the highest peaks of the Iberian Peninsula.

By plane:

• Federico García Lorca Airport is located in the town of Chauchina, 15 km. from the city of

Granada. Bus and taxi services connect the airport with Granada city-centre.

• Málaga – Costa del Sol Airport (120 km) is biggest international airport in southern Spain,

with flights to principal national and international airports. There are direct buses from

Málaga airport to Granada bus station. On occasion it may be faster to take a bus from

Málaga airport to Málaga bus station and then catch a bus to Granada.

By bus: There are many buses each day to and from other large Spanish cities. For schedules, go to:

http://www.alsa.es/portal/site/Alsa?portal.alsa.request.locale=en_GB.


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By train: The train station is fairly central. Granada is not yet on a high-speed line, but this is due to

be completed in the near future. The Talgo train takes about 5 and a half hours from Madrid. Seville

is 4 hours by train. Most people choose the bus rather than the train when coming from Malaga or

Almeria.

By road: Granada is connected by the national motorway network. The modern connections to

Granada make it, for example, two hours from Seville or one hour from Málaga by motorway. The A-

92 motorway runs through the province of Granada, connecting the Levante (East coast) with

western Andalucía. The A-44 connects it with Madrid and the whole of southern Spain.

2.3. Hotel accommodation

From hotels with more services to simple and comfortable rooms, Granada has numerous and

varied accommodation adapted to all needs (more than 200 hotels and hostals, more than 13,000

hotel rooms). Many hotels are located within easy walking distance of the venue location. Block

reservations can be made immediately on receiving the AIPEA’s decision regarding the conference.

Hotel rates are traditionally very competitive in the summer months. The prices start from 20 €.

On the other hand, student halls of residence are owned by the University of Granada, and

could be used on the proposed dates.

2.4. What not to miss in Granada

1. Alhambra and the Generalife. World Heritage Site, the complex of the Alhambra and the

Generalife is the most emblematic, famous and visited monument of Granada. City, fortress and

palace of the kings of the Nasrid dynasty, its rooms and gardens are the highest expression of Muslim

art in Europe.

2. Cathedral and Royal Chapel. The Cathedral of Granada is considered the first Renaissance church

in Spain and one of its finest examples. The main façade is a masterpiece of Baroque art done by

Alonso Cano in 1667. The Royal Chapel, resting place of the Catholic Monarchs, parents of Carlos V, is

a prime example of late Gothic style in the Renaissance. The main altarpiece and the royal burial

tombs sculpted from Carrara marble are particularly impressive.

3. Albaicin (World Heritage Site) and the Sacromonte neighborhoods, two of the districts with more

colour, enchantment and history of the city of Granada. To wonder around the Albaicín is to make a

trip to its Morisco roots, as well as a delight for the senses. The Sacromonte neighborhood is famous

for its caves, where the gypsies continue to celebrate every night with flamenco song and dance.

4. Alpujarra. Make a trip back in time to find the origins of the Berber tribes who inhabited this area.

Constructions of similar characteristics are found in the Riff and other places throughout the

Mediterranean arc. Its style adapts to the mountainous surroundings, following the geographic


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features. The houses have a staggered form, oriented southwards or to the open landscape to

take advantage of the good weather.

5. Tapas and Cuisine from Granada. Little plates of stewed snails, stewed potatoes with green

peppers, fried battered fish, fried breadcrumbs (migas) and kebabs (pinchos) are constantly served in

the bars and tascas of Granada. The tapas constitute a sample of local food that comes when the

clients order a glass of wine or beer. Quite a miniature meal, they represent a tasty and varied

alternative for informal suppers or lunches.

6. Shopping. Granada is an ideal place to go shopping. Wandering through its streets visiting stores

and markets is an attractive and colorful way of making contact with its culture and people. A land of

craftsmen, the people of Granada are expert in making products like guitars, pottery and marquetry,

luxurious woodwork of finely detailed decoration; furniture, boxes or any object with geometric

drawings formed by hundreds of very small pieces of bone, silver, and wood.

We are convinced that, should Granada be chosen as the venue for the XVI ICC, the delegates will

attend a first class scientific congress and at the same time have the opportunity to experience

Granada, a wonderful city in Andalusia.


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APPENDIX A

First draft of budget proposal. Based on 2012 prices

XVI ICC 2017

Proposed dates: July 17th

– 21th

2017

Service Details Price in Euros Amount Total

Non variable expenses

Venue Room rentals 18000 1 18000

Printing Design hours 240 10 2400

Website Creation, updates and hosting 5600 1 5600

Software Creation of specific management programs 1500 2 3000

Documentation Abstract book 30 500 15000

Conference program 3 500 1500

Delegate list 2 500 1000

Decorations Plenary hall 1000 1 1000

Advertising, banners 1400 1 1400

Posterboards -both sides can be used 25 100 2500

UGR Congresos Project management hours 24 100 2400

Assistants during the congress 24 100 2400

Others Miscellaneous 6000 1 6000

Grants Free acommodation for 30 students 200 30 6000

Prizes Best oral presentation, best poster 500 2 1000

Lodging Acommodation for invited speakers 400 5 2000

Social programme Concert 3000 1 3000

Total non variable expenses 74200

Service Details Price in Euros Amount Total

Variable expenses

UGR Congress Office Registration fee of delegates 20 500 10000

Abstract registration 30 500 15000

Documentation Badges 3 500 1500

Conference bags 10 500 5000

Pen drives 5 500 2500

Food and beverages Welcome party 15 500 7500

2 x coffee breaks in 5 days 60 500 30000

Social programme (accomp. p.) Alhambra visit and guide 30 30 900

Royal Chapel visit 10 30 300

AIPEA support 10 500 5000

Total variable expenses 77700

Total expenses Non variable and variable 151900


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Normal registration categoriesEarly Fee (EUR) till

April, 1, 2017

Normal fee

(EUR)

On-site fee (EUR;

basic only)

Basic / full 350 / 400 420 / 470 450

Student or senior basic / full 200 / 250 270 / 320 300

Accompanying basic / full 100 / 150 100 / 150 100

Abstract submission (per abstract) * 30

Special registration categories (no abstract fee applied)

keynote / invited speaker, convener,

basic / full350 / 400 350 / 400 350 / 400

plenary speaker (5) 0 0 0

student helper (30) 0 0 0

• VAT (21 %) is included in all amounts

• Full registration fee = basic registration fee + conference dinner

• Senior: retired scientist no longer assisted by research granst and/or financial support from his/her former institution

• To be paid for all accepted abstracts

• A limited number of conference dinner tickets will be sold separately on the spot for EUR 50

Basic registration fee for conference participants includes:

• Participation in scientific sessions

• Admission to the Opening and Closing Ceremony

• Abstracts volume

• Congress bag with conference materials

• Icebreaker party

• Coffee breaks

• Student: enrolled in and not having completed any regular undergraduate/graduate programme or PhD/doctoral

programme


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APPENDIX B


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