VIROID 2022: Viroids, viroid-like RNAs, and RNA viruses

14-16 September 2022 | Heraklion, Greece

Conference Venue

The Conference will be hosted at the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH). FORTH is situated near Heraklion, at a distance of approximately 13 km of Heraklion International Airport [Airport / city code: HER] and 9.8 km from the city center.

Local Transfers

Conference shuttles (from city center to venue and back)

Bus transfer from City Center to the Conference Venue is provided to all participants.

Transfer schedule and meeting point for the transfer, will be announced in due time. The meeting point will be in walking distance from hotel inside the city walls.

In case you wish to move by your own

a. By Car

Please check the directions from your starting point to the Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas: http://bit.ly/FORTHbyCAR

b. TAXI Service

From the airport to your hotel, there is a TAXI station just outside arrivals on the left

From the hotel to the conference venue, you ask for a TAXI from the hotel reception to FORTH or ITE (in Greek).

c. Public bus service

There are two bus routes to and from FORTH (ITE in Greek) several times per day:

a. From Heraklion city center to FORTH:

Line 8, the sign on the front of the bus reads ITE

Timetable:

 

to FORTH

from FORTH

07:20

08:00

08:30

09:15

11:30

12:15

14:00

14:40

15:30

16:10

17:20

18:00

19:40

20:00

21:10

21:30

* The bus arrives at Astoria bus station (Platia Eleftherias) about 10 minutes later. The bus drops you off at FORTH premises.

b. From Heraklion city center to PAGNI (ΠΕΠΑΓΝΗ in Greek, the University Hospital).

Line 11, the sign on the front of the bus reads ΠΕΠΑΓΝΗ.

This line has a stop approximately 300 meters away from FORTH's entrance. In order to avoid missing the stop, please consult the bus driver by asking for the stop to FORTH. The frequency of this service is approximately every 15 minutes.

Do not forget to buy your ticket before entering the bus and give it to the driver to cut it. Tickets can be purchased from most kiosks or ticket machines around the downtown area. The duration of each trip is approximately 40 minutes.

Local Information

Crete is the most southern region of Greece and Europe and is the largest Greek island. Separating the Aegean Sea from the Libyan sea, it marks a physical boundary between Europe and Africa.

The climate is one of the mildest and healthiest in Europe. On average, winter in Crete is mild and summer warm and sunny. Average year temperature is 19°C. During summer and throughout to October, expect the temperature to range from 24°C to 34°C with a mild sea breeze usually moderating the heat. Local time is +2 GMT (or +1 CET).

The landscape of the island is diverse: The magnificent mountain ranges of the Lefka Ori (White Mountains), Psiloritis and Dikti rise in the centre of the island and there are several fertile plains, such as the Lassithi plateau which is ringed by picturesque mountain villages. Parts of the island are split by deep gorges, such as the famous Samaria Gorge which can be explored by an organised tour. Imposing mountains and rocky terrain alternate with a coastline full of beaches, some secluded, others long and sandy, all with crystal clear waters.

Crete is also renowned for its variety of vegetation and is particularly famous for olive trees, orange groves, vineyards and vegetable gardens. Medicinal herbs and fragrant shrubs -cistus, dittany, marjoram and thyme - grow in rocky areas and the higher peaks are home to the 'Kri-Kri', the Cretan goat, a protected species you might encounter wondering in the National Reserve of Samaria Gorge.

This island's fertile soil and towering peaks witnessed the development of the Minoan civilization (2800-1150 B.C.), one of the most important in the history of mankind. The Minoans built the famous palatial centers of Knossos, Phaistos, Malia, Zakros, and others. These archaeological sites are open to visitors and guided tours are available at Knossos throughout the day.

Another characteristic of Crete is the exceptionally hospitable, independent, and proud attitude of the locals. Walk into a traditional village and they will invite you to sit and eat with them and offer you 'raki', the local spirit. Taste the Cretan Cuisine, which is considered as one of the most healthy in the world, listen to the sound of traditional lyra playing local music and be amazed by the scenery. Let yourself live this unique atmosphere and experience!

Crete is an ideal resort for extending your stay for holidays!

You may check the weather forecast here.

Visa Requirements

Citizens of the European Union or holders of a valid Schengen Visa do not need a visa to visit Greece.

Citizens of the following countries do not require a visa to visit Greece:

Andorra, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Guatemala, The Holy See, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Lettonia, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, United Kingdom, USA, Uruguay, the Vatican, Venezuela.

Citizens of all other countries should contact their nearest Greek Embassy or Consulate in order to obtain information, a visa or other necessary documents for their travel.

The organizers will provide any required documents confirming participation to the workshop only after registration is confirmed by fee.

Important Dates


Deadlines:
Registration deadline: 30/6/2022
Abstract submission deadline: 30/6/2022
Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology