ETOPIM is the premier international society for scientists researching all aspects of the science of Composite Materials

We are delighted to announce that ETOPIM 9 will be held in Marseille, France, in September 2012. The Conference hotel and venue is the Pullman Hotel, Palm Beach(formerly The Sofitel, Palm Beach), on Corniche J.F Kennedy.

Accessible by public transport and a comfortable 28km distance from the Airport, the hotel sits right on the edge of the magnificent harbour with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.

Sessions will be "augmented" by attention to the Pullman's spectacular swimming pool, sauna, and jacuzzi - or water sports and golf!

Located on the south east coast of France on the Mediterranean, the harbour city of Marseille is the second city of France, and also the oldest.

Organising Committee:

Stefan Enoch, Fresnel Institute/CNRS, University of Marseille, Sebastien Guenneau, Fresnel Institute/CNRS, University of Marseille, Mathias Fink, University of Paris, College de France, Philippe Lalanne, University of Paris, CNRS

Committee:
Nicolas Bonod, Fresnel Institute/CNRS, Marseille, Boris Gralak, Fresnel Institute/CNRS, Marseille, Gilles Renversez, University of Paul Cezanne, Aix-Marseille III, Brian Stout, University of Provence, Aix-Marseille I, Gérard Tayeb, University of Paul Cezanne, Aix-Marseille III

Supported by:
University of Aix-Marseille | Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique | Region Provence Alpes Cote Azur | Societe Francaise de Physique/Optique |

There is a "buzz" about this city - old streets juxtaposed with modern cafes and theatres; ruins from antiquity with a modern, bustling Mediterranean Port.

As with the culture and history of our meeting in Crete, so ETOPIM 9 is set in a city whose beginnings are in Prehistory and classical antiquity. Marseille was founded in 600 BC by Greeks from Phocaea. The city also flourished between 500 and 49 BC under Roman rule as a thriving port for the hinterland and Roman trading partners. Archaeological remains from both periods are dotted around the City. Underwater palaeolithic cave paintings, however, date back to between 27,000 and 19,000 BC!

Beautiful facades and interiors of historical buidings such as the Palais du Pharo, former residence of Napoleon III and the Empress Eugénie are located right in the heart of Marseille. With theatre, markets and great atmosphere, the bustling downtown area, La Canebière and the Vieux Port are a great attraction to the City's thousands of visitors per year.

To be included on the notification list for ETOPIM 9, please register your interest and enter your details here (must contain email address).  Your contribution will influence the direction of the program and topics chosen

You will be sent email notification of ETOPIM 9 speakers and program, as it develops.

In 2013, (the year following our meeting) Marseille is in contention for the title of "European City of Culture". Marseilles is a major provincial city with streamlined transport and easy access

Airport links: Marseille-Marignane Airport - with 26 daily flights to Paris and 6 to London
Railway links: Marseille Saint-Charles train station with 17 daily TGV to/from Paris
Cruise links: 500.000 passengers annually