Twenty years elapsed since CHEMPOR was organized by the Chemical Engineering Department of University of Coimbra. In the meantime a lot has changed in our Department, now installed in a modern building with better facilities. This is a promising factor to anticipate a successful 9th International Chemical Engineering Conference in Coimbra.

CHEMPOR traditionally gathers academics, scientists, engineers, manufacturers and end users to discuss recent developments in different areas of Chemical Engineering. One of the major topics of this year's conference programme is Life Quality, due to the importance that Chemical Engineering plays in this area. This is complemented with additional topics including Engineering Sciences and Fundamentals, Industrial Processes and Process Systems Engineering. A panel discussion on Chemical Engineering Education with international participants is also scheduled.

We look forward to welcoming you in 2005.