PERMEA 2019 - Membrane Conference of Visegrad Countries - 26-29 August 2019 - Budapest, Hungary -

Venue & date

PERMEA 2019  will be held at Eötvös Lorand University on 26-29 August 2019.

The ELTE Convention Centre (Eötvös Loránt University, address: H-1117 Budapest, Pázmány Péter sétány 1/A). The university was founded in 1635 by Cardinal Péter Pázmány (1570-1637) as a Catholic institution. In 1950 the University was renamed after Baron Loránd Eötvös (1848-1919), a professor of physics of considerable significance (due to his experimentation relating to the equivalence of gravitational and internal mass) and an eminent statesman.

The capital of Hungary, known by many as the "Pearl of the Danube", is undoubtedly one of the most beautifully located cities in the world. The River Danube runs through the middle of the metropolis of two million, dividing hilly Buda with its narrow cobbled streets and mixture of mediaeval and neo-classical buildings from the flat area of Pest with its wide boulevards. The picturesque panorama offered by the river and its bridges, the Parliament building, the imposing Royal Castle, the Fishermen's Bastion and the impressive Danube Embankment led UNESCO to place this site on the World Heritage list.

Visitors will find side by side the remains of fortresses and buildings from Roman times, still-functioning Turkish baths, Gothic and Baroque buildings, and the incredibly rich Art Noveau architectural heritage. There is no other capital city in the world which can boast close to 100 thermal springs and 12 medicinal baths, where 19 million gallons of thermal water rise to the surface each day.
It is a city where the pleasing harmony of different architectural styles and superb structures, the cafés, gastronomy and culture are combined with the legendary Hungarian hospitality, blending into an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Budapest is the venue for numerous congresses, international meetings, sports competitions and cultural events, with its developed infrastructure, elegant shops and modern hotels. Budapest’s cultural life is widely renowned, with more than 20 theatres and also ample to explore!

Arrival by air
All participants arriving at ‘Liszt Ferenc’ International Airport are advised to take the airport shuttle minibus to their hotels; this is the least expensive and most reliable service. You can find information about the Airport Shuttle Minibus (LRI) service on the following link: https://www.minibud.hu/en

Metropolitan bus No. 200E (http://www.bkk.hu/en/timetables/#200E) also leaves from the terminal building for Kőbánya-Kispest station, where you may take metro line No. 3 (blue line) to the centre of the city.
A high quality and fair passenger carrier service is running at Liszt Ferenc Airport, http://fotaxi.eu/?Language=en#main-menu whose fares are defined and limited by zones. Efficient and simple taxi ordering procedure characterizes this taxi company. The price is appr. 20-25 Eur form Airport to Pest or Buda side.

Arrival by train
There are 3 major international railway stations in Budapest (Déli pu., Keleti pu. and Nyugati pu.), located in the city centre and within easy reach of the hotels or the Congress Center either by public transport or by taxi. See the following link about railway services:
(https://www.mavcsoport.hu/en)

Arrival by car
Budapest can be reached by car on motorways M1, M3, M5 and M7. Drivers should be aware that there is a zero tolerance of blood alcohol level while driving in Hungary. Parking is available at an open air parking area at the congress venue free of charge. Parking in the city centre is subject to fees.

Local transportation in Budapest
Public transport in the city is well organized. Tickets must be purchased in advance at metro stations or tobacco shops.
Whenever you change vehicle, validate a new ticket. One-day, three-day and weekly travel cards allowing free travel on all means of transportation within the administrative boundary of Budapest can be bought at each metro station for 1650 HUF, 4150 HUF and 4950 HUF, respectively. EU citizens over 65 years are allowed to travel for free on the vehicles of the public transport.

Taxis
We suggest that you use only taxis equipped with a taximeter. Beware of private cabs, especially those without a taximeter. It is customary to give a tip of 10% over the amount of the bill at restaurants and in taxis. When you come with taxi to the Congress Center tell the driver to drop you at the gate on the Duna (Danube) side of the Northern Building (the one with the observatory on it). During the conference do not hesitate to call a taxi through the Hungarian Chemical Society at the Registration Desk.

Currency, exchange, credit cards
The official currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Exchange facilities are offered to participants at the airport, in hotels, at the exchange desk of the banks at around the daily rate indicated by the Hungarian National Bank. American Express, Visa, Diners, Eurocard, Master Card and JCB Card are accepted in hotels, first class restaurants and city stores, but you should ask or look for the logo before ordering a service. Money can be withdrawn from ATMs.

Shopping hours
The usual shopping hours in Budapest are from 10:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m., in big shopping centers around the city up to 21:00 p.m. For further information please contact the Registration Desk.

Insurance
The Organizing Committee can not assume responsibility for injuries or losses occurring to persons or personal belongings during the conference. Participants are therefore advised to travel with a valid insurance package.

Electricity supply
In Hungary, electricity is supplied at 230 V, 50 Hz. The 2-pin connecting plug is different from that used in some other countries, e.g. the USA, the UK and Japan.

Smoking
Smoking is NOT permitted inside the Congress buildings or at the venues for the social functions. Smokers are required to smoke outdoors in the designated area.