The GE3C XXIV Symposium will take place in Bilbao in June 2014, from the 23th to 26th. The Congress will be held at the Bizkaia Aretoa building: the auditorium of the University of the Basque Country (UPV / EHU) in the city of Bilbao. This building, designed by architect Álvaro Siza , is located in one of the most emblematic areas of Bilbao, over the sea loch and next to the Guggenheim Museum, just in the middle of Abandoibarra Avenue.

This is a very special year for Crystallography since on July 3th, 2012 the General Assembly of the United Nations (resolution 66/2849) decided to proclaim 2014 as The International Year of Crystallography. The proclamation points out that education in crystallography and its applications is critical to address challenges such as health and environmental problems, since crystallographers determine the structure of proteins and small molecules used in the design of essential drugs also proposing solutions to the pollution of soil and plants.

We wish to make the most of our Basque spirit, land and people together for junction and interchange, to facilitate the exchange of ideas, diffusion of our groups´ latest scientific findings, the establishment or strengthening of partnerships and the promotion of young researchers working in fields related to Crystallography. On the other hand, the surroundings are plenty of entertainment and cultural facilities, both for participants and accompanying persons.

Bilbao is the heart of a metropolis with more than 900,000 inhabitants. Since its foundation, over 700 years ago, the city is the principal axis of the economic and social development of the Gulf of Biscay as well as the most important modernization factor of the zone.

We're pleased to encourage all the GE3C members, their accompanists and those researchers in fields next to Crystallography to actively participate in the scheduled scientific and social events.

We are looking forward to seeing all of you!!

Greetings from the organizing committee