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Welcome to Vilnius, the European Capital of Culture in 2009!
Further information you may find at
http://www.culturelive.lt/en/main
About the ESHG/LSHG courses:
Translating genomics into the clinics
The idea of these courses was first
born in the Educational Committee of European Society of Human Genetics
while discussing the issues of improvement and harmonization of education
for people providing genetic testing in molecular genetics, cytogenetics
and biochemical genetics laboratories in Europe and beyond. The aim of
these courses – to renew already acquired and to provide new knowledge
in genetic testing to the attendees. Practical training will help to
apply this knowledge into the practice. We hope these courses will find
their continuation in the attending years.
The number of participants is limited
to 50. The teaching will be made at a basic level and mainly
concerns laboratory medical geneticists. The courses are divided into
three main sections: molecular genetics, cytogenetics and biochemical
genetics. Each section involves theoretical and practical parts, the
partcipants will be divided in two – three groups for the practical
parts.
Fellowships of 1500 euros will be available from the European Society of Human Genetics.
For further information, please check Fellowships in this web page.
General information
Venue of the courses:
21 M.K.Čiurlionio Str., Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius,
Lithuania.
Registration will take
place on Friday, May 29th at 8.30 am in the Entrance Hall of Faculty
of Medicine. All registered participants will receive the Book
of Abstracts, invitations to social events and a badge. Badges must
be worn and be visible at all times during the courses.
Coffee Breaks: during
the breaks refreshments (coffee, tea, and water) will be served free
of charge to the participants wearing name badges.
Cell Phone Policy:
attendees are asked to be respectful of their colleagues by turning
off all cell phones and PDA devices before entering courses‘ rooms.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Certificate of Attendance:
confirmations of attendance will be issued at the registration desk
after the courses.
Language:
the official language of the Courses will be English. Lithuanian is
the official language in Lithuania.
General information about
Vilnius and Lithuania
Vilnius
Vilnius is the largest city
and the capital of Lithuania, with a population of 555,613 (847,954
together with Vilnius County) as of 2008. It is situated in southeastern
Lithuania at the confluence of the Vilnia and Neris rivers. Lying close
to Vilnius is a site some claim to be the Geographical Centre of Europe.
Vilnius is a cosmopolitan city with diverse architecture. There are
more than 40 churches in the city. Vilnius Old Town, the historical
centre of Vilnius, is one of the largest in Europe (3.6 km²). The most
valuable historic and cultural sites are concentrated here. Owing to
its uniqueness, the Old Town of Vilnius was inscribed on the UNESCO
World Heritage List in 1994.
New restaurants, hotels and
museums have opened since Lithuania declared independence
http://www.vilnius-life.com
http://www.muziejai.lt/Vilnius/vilniaus_miestas_rajonas.en.htm
http://www.inyourpocket.com/lithuania/city/vilnius.html
http://www.vilnius-hotels.net
Vilnius has been selected as
the European Capital of Culture in 2009. You can find the main events and
lots of facts about Vilnius and Lithuania at http://www.culturelive.lt/en/main. For additional information please
also attend Vilnius City Municipality official page, http://www.vilnius.lt/newvilniusweb/index.php/110.
Climate
The Lithuanian climate lies
between maritime and continental, with wet winters and moderate summers. The
weather in the beginning of summer is generally nice, evenings may be
cooler and of course occasional rain showers have to be expected. The
average summer temperature is around 17°C.
Drinking water
The tap water in Lithuania
is of good quality and can be used without concern.
Electricity Supply
220V - 50Hz AC. Connectors
can be obtained from your hotel reception or electronic stores.
Travelling - Accessibility
The cheapest way of moving
around Vilnius is using public transport – buses, trolleybuses and
shuttle buses/taxis. Tickets are available from kiosks at bus and trolleybus
stops and from the drivers. Tickets must be punched in a ticket cancelling
machine on the bus or trolleybus.
A taxi is the most comfortable
way of getting around the city but also the most expensive. Lithuanian
taxis do not have a special livery/colour. They are identifiable by
their roof-sign and yellow car number signs (please do not use any taxi
without these signs!). Prices must be displayed inside the cab and meters
(which are compulsory in all cabs) will indicate the fare.
Bank services
Banks are generally open from
9.00 – 18.00 hrs on Monday – Friday. There are multiple bank machines
(ATMs) open 24 hours a day throughout the city that accept all major
international bankcards. The official currency of Lithuania is the Litas
(Lt; 1 euro = 3.45 Lt). Major credit cards are widely accepted, but
please always check beforehand.
GSM cell phone roaming
GSM cell/mobile phone roaming
is available without any problems for all major international providers.
It is advisable to inquire beforehand at your provider which roaming
company in Lithuania offers the cheapest tariffs.
Insurance
In registering for the Courses
participants agree that the Organising Committee does not assume any
liability whatsoever. Participants are requested to make their own arrangements
for health and travel insurance.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are generally open
from 9.00 - 18.00 hrs on weekdays, there are duty pharmacies open 24
hrs per day 7 days per week.
Safety - Crime
Visitor safety is generally
adequate and Vilnius can be considered a rather safe city. Like in any
other major European city, you can walk everywhere using common sense.
Pick pocketing in heavily visited tourist zones or in public transport
lines might be a concern.
Shops
The shops in Vilnius open between
10.00 and 19.00 hrs. The department stores and hypermarkets are open
longer.
Smoking Policy
The Courses are “No-smoking-Event”.
Please note the smoking is banned from all public buildings.
Staff
If you should have any questions,
the Courses‘ staff will be pleased to help you.
Tipping
Tips of 5-10% of the total
bill are usually expected in restaurants and bars, although not mandatory.
Visa requirements
If you are not a citizen of
EU or Schengen countries please check for visa requirement with your
local official boards.
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