The 5th MoniQA International Conference "Food and Health - Risks and Benefits" on "Innovative Technologies for Food Quality and Safety Management" will be held in Porto, 16-18 September 2015. It continues the successful series of MoniQA International Conferences, and targets participants from regulatory, industry, research and technology, method providers, media and consumer associations. The 5th MoniQA International Conference is jointly organised by MoniQA Association with its headquarters in Austria, and ICETA, which is part of REQUIMTE-LAQV, Portugal. A summary report on the latest MoniQA meeting, the 4th MoniQA International Conference in Budapest, Hungary, 26 February-01 March 2013, can be found at https://budapest2013.moniqa.org/.
This time technological and analytical challenges in assuring food safety and quality will meet risk assessment, health concerns, consumer preferences, and clinical implications. Unique insights in the global scope of these matters by renown speakers, invited papers and most recent advances in science and technology generated by the next generation leading scientists will make up an exciting programme.
Porto will offer a great setting for this event, which will be conveniently taking place in the city centre, close to restaurants and bars, walking and shopping areas, as well as cultural happenings. With its 240 000 inhabitants, Porto is Portugal's second largest city after Lisbon. Located along the Douro river estuary in Northern Portugal, Porto is one of the oldest European centres, and its historical core was proclaimed a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. Porto was awarded as the "European Best Destination of 2014". One of Portugal's internationally famous exports, port wine, is named for Porto, since the metropolitan area, and in particular the adegas of Vila Nova de Gaia, were responsible for the production and export of the fortified wine. In September we may expect moderate weather with average temperatures around 21° C (70° F).
We are looking forward to welcoming you in Porto at the 5th MoniQA International Conference. We would like to encourage you to make use of one or more of the various opportunities to contribute to the conference as speaker, poster presenter, exhibitor, sponsor, volunteer or just to enjoy the technical programme, satellite training workshops, networking opportunities, or social events at the meeting in Porto.
We are hoping to see you in Porto!
Dr. Isabel Mafra (ICETA, Portugal) and Dr. Roland Poms (MoniQA, Austria)
On behalf of the Organising Committee
