Dear colleagues and friends:

On behalf of the TEMA Parent Committee, the local Scientific and the Organizing Committees, we are pleased to invite you to the 13th International Meeting on Trace Elements in Man and Animals, to be held in Pucón, Chile, from November 9th-13th, 2008. You are welcome to join us in this exciting scientific meeting that will give us the state of the art of trace elements in humans and animals as well as good news on emerging from issues from genomics, proteomics and metabolomics and on the applications to biology, environment and medical sciences.

We have chosen as a theme "From the Andes to the World" highlighting the fact that the Andes mountains (second only to the Himalayas in their majestic height) are a major site in planet Earth of accumulated iron, copper, zinc, manganese, tin, molybdenum among others. In fact, the very word Andes is thought to derive from the quechua (original language of the indigenous people of Peru) word "ante", used by the Inca people to name copper. They "cultivated" rather than "mined" copper in the "anta-chakras" (copper fields) and left offerings to the gods as they collected the mineral for processing. The Andes span virtually all of the Americas from North to South and have served as back bone to unite the various people that inhabit this continent. We look forward to welcoming you in Chile, in the amazing volcanoes-and-lakes area, close to the Patagonia habitat and hope that during your stay you will have a chance to appreciate not only the science and the scenery but also the culture and the hospitality of our people.

The programme has been devised with parallel sessions to offer a choice of topics on the different trace elements, including the state of the art and innovative research. This flexibility enables each delegate to construct a tailored made schedule over the event by selecting the topics most relevant to him/her.

The meeting social programme has also been designed to maximise opportunities to network with peers and to discuss areas of mutual interest. The social programme includes informal evening functions. We extend our invitation to delegates' partners or accompanying persons.

Some tips you should know about Chile:

The country is safe and we invite you to enjoy the beauties of the south Lake District of the country.

No visa is needed to come to Chile.

Chile is free of infectious "tropical" diseases that may represent health risks or require special immunizations.

Pucón is a small lake city about 800 km south to Santiago, the capital city of Chile. Pucon is at lake Villarrica, facing Volcano Villarrica

For details about how to reach Santiago and then Pucon please go to "Travel" section in this page

The meeting will be held in Spring, when climate is mild and temperatures are between 14-24ºC. Unfortunately, showers and rains are not predictable and we can not make sure to spare you from them despite the hard work done requesting in advance for good weather in November.

For details about the call for abstracts, essential information for registration, descriptions of the scientific and social programmes, information about agencies that provide travel services, accommodation and travel arrangements please go to http://www.tema13.net

We look forward to seeing you in Pucon next November 2008.
With best wishes,

Prof. Magdalena Araya President, Organizing Committee

Prof. Manuel Ruz Vice- president Organizing Committee

Prof. Manuel Olivares Secretary-Treasurer Organizing Committee