Dear friends and physiologist colleagues,
In the last congress held in Cádiz (September 2018), the Spanish Society of Physiological Sciences trusted on us to organize the next SECF Congress (XL CONGRESS OF THE SPANISH SOCIETY OF PHYSIOLOGICAL SCIENCES: joint meeting between Spanish and Portuguese physiologists) in Extremadura, in the city of Badajoz, originally scheduled for September 2020. Unfortunately, it could not be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is now when, together with the SECF, we resume the celebration of the congress that will take place in Badajoz from September 19 to 22, 2022.
I do not want to miss this opportunity without remembering all those anonymous people and relatives who left us because of Covid-19, and especially those physiologist colleagues and friends that we have lost.
Now more than ever, we must get back to this type of scientific meeting that will undoubtedly help us to gradually redirect our lives from both a professional and a personal point of view.
Thus, this XL CONGRESS OF THE SPANISH SOCIETY OF PHYSIOLOGICAL SCIENCES: joint meeting between Spanish and Portuguese physiologists is not just any other congress. It is THE CONGRESS, the one that will lead us to the normalization of our personal and professional lives, meet again with physiologist friends, and connect science with celebrations in harmony.
Spanish-Portuguese physiologists have the CHALLENGE of holding a congress that is BIG in every aspect, SPECIAL, the first after a pandemic that will always remain in our memory.
Although it came by surprise, we assumed the assignment to organize the congress with enthusiasm. It is a challenge and a honour to host the SECF congress 23 years after the last one held in Extremadura in 1999. It must also be emphasized that, after 39 editions of the SECF congress (since its constitution in 1952 and the first congress held in Madrid in 1953), it will be the first time that it is chaired by a woman.
We will try to do our best to maintain the high scientific and sociocultural level achieved in previous SECF meetings. From September 19 to 22, 2022, in Badajoz, we will try to combine Science and Spanish-Portuguese fraternization, as well as good environment and fun. As we organize the congress with our Portuguese neighbours, we intend that this allows us to establish collaborative ties between groups of physiologists of both nationalities and that this enriches the congress not only from a scientific point of view but also from a human point of view. We hope to make a congress that is unforgettable in all aspects and for this we must count on the most important thing: all of you, the attendants. We await you with open arms. Welcome.
To accomplish our aims, we request your help in developing the scientific program that will consist of plenary lectures, symposia, and communications (oral and poster). We also want to encourage undergraduate and master students to present their final degree projects, either poster or oral communication, in a dedicated session. We have also planned a novel symposium dedicated to young pre- and post-doctoral researchers, and another one on animal experimentation that will be valid and certified as a training activity for the maintenance of the corresponding accreditation. All together, we intend to achieve the most suitable environment to discuss from the simplest physiological processes to the most integrative ones, promoting the translation of basic findings to society’s problems.
The scientific program will be complemented with social events in the evenings which will include tourism and Spanish-Portuguese gastronomy. All attendants can participate in these activities that are included in registration fee. We will also celebrate the traditional gala dinner and will try to get an optimal price that allows the assistance of anyone who wishes.
Badajoz is one of the least explored places of Spain, but it has a relevant touristic attraction that should be taken more seriously and not only like a crossing place. There are some amazing places to visit, as you will find out. For example, the beautiful Plaza Alta where the markets were held under its arches during the Middle Ages. Also, the Alcazaba, a fortification made by Muslims, which means citadel, is said to be the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world, considering the perimeter of its walls. The bastioned wall that we can see in Badajoz is a military fortification formed by different defensive elements such as forts, towers, moats, etc. We can also highlight the gorgeous Metropolitan Cathedral Church, next to the City Hall in Plaza de España, the Plaza de la Soledad with amazing buildings and the Hermitage of the Virgen de la Soledad, the Patron Saint of the city. Badajoz is also the “bridges city”, with its 4 bridges over the Guadiana River, which has fantastic gardens where you can walk and do sports. Badajoz is located in a strategic crossing, very close to the border with Portugal, and between the roads that link Castilla with Andalucía. It is also an eminently commercial city. In fact, the commerce in our city surprises those who visit it.
We hope we have convinced you to come to Badajoz to participate in the XL SECF Congress from September 19 to 22, 2022.
We are awaiting you in Badajoz. We are sure that with your presence it will be an exceptional congress. See you later!
Ana Beatriz Rodríguez Moratinos
President of the Organizing Committee
XL Congress of the Spanish Society of Physiological Sciences (Joint Meeting between Spanish and Portuguese physiologists)
Badajoz, September 19-22, 2022
Contacto científico:[email protected]
Soporte:[email protected]
Teléfono de secretaría (De Lunes a Viernes de 9.30-13.30h):
+34 924 489 947
Photos courtesy of Laura Sagardoy