Welcome Note

Dear colleagues,

It is our distinct privilege and pleasure to welcome you to the 17th European Symposium of Organic Chemistry, in Hersonissos, Crete, organized by the Division of Organic Chemistry, Department of Chemistry of the University of Crete. This biannual conference is well established as Europe’s largest and most outstanding showcase for organic chemistry.
The topics that will be covered in the ESOC 2011 meeting will once again serve to emphasize the central role of basic and applied organic chemical research, as well as, the exciting future innovations and technologies that will drive economic growth in a healthy global society.
The conference provides an excellent opportunity for younger scientists to learn about future trends and perspectives of organic chemistry in a multidisciplinary environment.

The island of Crete lies at the southern part of Europe at the connection of three continents. From the Minoan times until the present, it has evolved as a major economic and cultural centre for Greece with leading higher-education institutes and research centres that strive for excellence both in teaching and research, and, are well known internationally beyond the Greek borders.

We are happy that ESOC 2011 is taking place in Crete and that it is here that we will celebrate the International Year of Chemistry - 2011.

I am delighted to welcome all of you in Crete for the 17th ESOC 2011 Meeting and I wish you a very pleasant stay

Michael Orfanopoulos
Congress Chair