XLIV Annual Meeting of the AIC

We are pleased to announce that in 2015, the XLIV annual meeting of the Italian Crystallographic Association (AIC) will be held in Vercelli by the Università del Piemonte Orientale “A. Avogadro”. The conference will be located in the renewed university center of “Complesso San Giuseppe”, located close to the train station and to the historic center of Vercelli.The program selected by the scientific committees will encourage the discussion on emerging methods in crystallography, opening new fields for the investigation of the condensed matter world. Crystal growth, Nanoscale phenomena, organic, inorganic and biomolecular systems are studied not only as structural images but also in motion, while working as “chemical machines”. Two satellite workshops on emerging topics in materials science and structural biology will describe new possible ways of exploring the crystallographic world. The numerous Invited lecturers from all Europe, the contribution, also from the scientific viewpoint, of several companies, the software fayre and a round table on the legacy of the IYCr in Italy will further enrich the conference program.Particular attention will be devoted to encourage young participants, and some bursaries, including registration fee and accommodation will be available, thanks to the many sponsors supporting the event.The Province of Vercelli lies in northeastern Piedmont, extending along the Sesia River from Monte Rosa to the Po River. The countryside is varied and intriguing, from the summits of the Alpine massif, the indisputable king of ski localities; to the gentle slopes of the Gattinara Hills, covered by vines, woods and criss-crossed by rivers; and the vast plains. A spectacular panorama of rice paddies characterizes Vercelli, one of Europe’s leading rice producers: rows of poplar trees divide the plain symmetrically, submerged for most of the year and reflecting the sky”s many colors and hues. The whole territory is replete with art and history, as can be seen in the architecture of the old town of Vercelli, while Alagna and other northern hamlets still preserve their Walser traditions in a fairytale-like atmosphere. The Gattinara Hills and flatlands also possess a remarkable historical heritage of castles, picturesque medieval villages, and religious sites lying along the Via Francigena.The University of Piemonte Orientale “Amedeo Avogadro” (UPO) was established as an autonomous institution in 1998. The name refers to a defined territory and gives full dignity to the three campuses where the University is settled (the cities of Alessandria, Novara and Vercelli), with a three-pole structure that is peculiar in Italy. It was decided to dedicate the University to the famous scientist Amedeo Avogadro to give a further, unifying character. The headquarters are placed in Vercelli, where the very first University in Piedmont was founded in 1228. It was the seventh University settled in Italy, but closed its activities in 1341.