The conference will be held in the beautiful city of Parma, in the North of Italy (Emilia Romagna), at midpoint between Milan and Bologna. Parma was the ancient capital of the Duchy of Parma and Piacenza (1545-1859); it is home to the University of Parma, one of the oldest universities in the world. From 2002 Parma is the base of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the agency of the European Union that provides independent scientific advice and communicates on existing and emerging risks associated with the food chain. From 1994, it is the base of RIS (Reparto Investigazioni Scientifiche), a special department of the Corps of Carabinieri.
By air
The Giuseppe Verdi airport in Parma, located 5 Km from the earth of the city, hosts some domestic and few international flights.
Parma is easily reached by train or by car from some of the major international airports in northern Italy:
- Milano – Linate or Malpensa
- Bergamo – Orio al Serio
- Bologna – Guglielmo Marconi
By train
Parma can be easily reached within a couple of hours by train from the major cities, hosting international airports, in northern Italy.
- Milano – Parma: 2 hours (regional train ticket price: 11.10 €)
- Bologna – Parma: 1 hour (regional train ticket price: 7.35 €)
- Bergamo – Parma: 2.30 hours (regional train ticket price: 13.60 €)
The prices can be increased using more expensive fast trains.
The conference venue is at fifteen minutes walking from the railway station.
By car
Parma is easily reached by car using one of the most important motorways:
- A1 Motorway (Milano-Napoli) – exit “Parma”.
- A15 Motorway (Parma – La Spezia) – exit “Parma Ovest”.
For further information about how to reach the venue, please check the next point.