HAMBURG 2009

Hamburg, the second largest city in Germany, is our third and final stop in this year's Symposium. Situated on the River Elbe, Hamburg is a vibrant and dynamic city; an economic success story and a magnet for the millions of tourists who visit each year.

It is this versatility which has served Hamburg so well in its 1200 years: the city combines a thriving tourism and media industry; traditional industries such as shipping and steel, and modern industries such as aerospace and technology. Hamburg is also home to our host, DESY (the Deutsches Elektronen Synchrotron). It will also be the starting site of XFEL, the European X-Ray Laser Project, which will run some 3.4km from Hamburg-Bahrenfeld to Schonefeld.

During the conference, all delegates will stay in Hotel Gastwerk situated a few miles from the main DESY site. The site of a former coal warehouse, Gastwerk combines style and comfort and will be an excellent base for our conference throughout the day on 15 September. The conference dinner will be held at Hamburg's fascinating Museum of Ethnology. The final day of the conference - and indeed of the Symposium - will be held onsite at DESY and delegates will have a chance to explore the facilities.

Hamburg is readily accessible by road and rail and is served by Hamburg airport.