Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Organising Committee I have immense pleasure in inviting you to attend the 2nd European Symposium on Biochemical Engineering Science, 97^th event of the European Federation of Biotechnology, which will be held in the City of Porto, Portugal, from 16^th to 19^th September, 1998.

After the great scientific and social success of ESBES-1, convened two years ago in Dublin by our Irish Colleagues, we were fully aware that to undertake this responsibility would be a major challenge. For the sake of science and international cooperation, we have decided to confront such a challenge and to take it up in our own way: very simply, to the best of our professionalism and uniquely with a soft touch of the southern flavour which characterises the Portuguese way of life.

Please go through the enclosed programme prepared by the Scientific Committee. The Symposium themes are those of the forthcoming EU Framework V programme which is directed towards the quality of life: food, health and the environment. Many future research projects will certainly address or be closely related to these topics. This will be a good moment for all of us to present, listen to and discuss ideas about them. In all, there will be 8 plenary lectures, 26 oral communications and 4 modules of poster presentation and discussion. Several group meetings will also take place between Wednesday and Saturday.

The social programme will hopefully bring us all together for moments or periods of relaxation. These occasions are important for strengthening friendships and for making friends.

All are invited to the opening 'Porto de Honra' (is there any need to translate…?) and to the guided tour of the City, on Saturday, with a final stop at one of the 57 fine Port Wine Cellars of the region. Further optional events, specially organised with the Accompanying Persons in mind, will also be held.

I believe I can say that in this programme, from Wednesday to Saturday, you will find plenty of scientific, cultural and social reasons for attending the Symposium.

Let me end with a suggestion. Do take advantage of your visit, stay a few more days and travel to the delightful Minho or the beautiful Port wine region along the Douro valley or book the pre-symposium tour to Lisbon, which we have organised for you, and visit EXPO'98, the last great cultural event of this world, in the 2^nd millenium.

I look forward to welcoming you personally next September,

Sebastião Feyo de Azevedo