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31st May - 3rd June 2016, Granada, Spain 

International Conference on "Light and Color in Nature"

The “Light and Color in Nature” conference returns to Europe for the 12th edition from 31 May - 3 June 2016 in Granada, Spain. The 2016 meeting will contribute to the increasing interest in this international conference by bringing together a diverse group of participants at a site to which many cultures have contributed over the centuries. Located in the South of Spain, Granada is anchored by the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the highest mountain range of the Iberian Peninsula and the tropical coast of the Mediterranean Sea. With a deeply diverse history that leads to a present rich in culture, vitality, and acceptance, Granada is the perfect setting to bring together scientists, engineers, students and educators to engage in an international exchange of ideas and discoveries. Along with members from North America and Europe, we anticipate Granada will be attractive to Latin American, African, and Middle Eastern scientists in the field of color and light in nature.

 

About University of Granada

 

The University of Granada (UGR) is a public and comprehensive university located in the historical city of Granada (Spain) that enrolls approximately 60,000 students, thereby becoming the fourth largest university in Spain. Founded in 1531 by Emperor Charles V, UGR also has campuses in Northern Africa (Ceuta and Melilla), thus being the only European university with campuses in two continents.

The University of Granada offers a wide selection of cutting-edge quality programmes at any level (undergraduate, masters, doctorates, continuous education, on-line distance learning, summer courses, etc.) in almost any field with a clear international vocation for more than 60,000 students (about 10% of the students enrolled in undergraduate programmes and 25% in postgraduate programmes are international students)

The UGR, one of the best in Europe, is widely recognized internationally for its quality in various university fields of higher education, teaching, research and cultural services. National and International rankings assessing Higher Education teaching and research reflect the UGR’s position as among the top universities in Spain and among the best in the world. According to the 2014 edition of the ARWU-Shangai Ranking, the UGR is in the top 8 for Spain and it is ranked number 326 in the world.

 

UGR's promotional video:

 

Sponsors & Collaborators

 

  • Departamento de Óptica. Universidad de Granada

  • Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingeniería de Caminos, Canales y Puertos. Universidad de Granada

  • Universidad de Granada

  • Financed with funds of Plan Propio de Investigación of Universidad de Granada.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Past conferences

 

The Light and Color meetings have been held approximately every three years since the first one was organized by Dr. David Lynch. Here is a list of all the meetings:

 

  • 12. Light and Color in Nature, University of Granada - Spain, 2016 (Javier Hernández-Andrés)

  • 11. Light and Color in Nature, University of Alaska – Fairbanks, 2013 (Ken Sassen)

  • 10. Light and Color in Nature, St. Mary’s College of Maryland, 2010 (Charles Adler)

  • 9. Light and Color in Nature, Bozeman, Montana, 2007 (Joseph Shaw)

  • 8. Atmospheric/Meteorological Optics, Bad Honnef, Germany, 2004 (Michael Vollmer)

  • 7. Meteorological Optics, Boulder, Colorado, 2001 (Stanley David Gedzelman)

  • 6. Light and Color in the Open Air, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1997 (Ken Sassen)

  • 5. Light and Color in the Open Air, State College, Pennsylvania, 1993 (Craig Bohren)

  • 4. Light and Color in the Open Air, Washington, D.C., 1990 (Robert Greenler)

  • 3. Meteorological Optics, Honolulu, Hawaii, 1986 (David Lynch)

  • 2. Atmospheric Optics, Incline Village, Nevada, 1983 (William Mach and Alistair Fraser)

  • 1. Meteorological Optics, Keystone, Colorado, 1978 (organized by David Lynch)

#CONFERENCE

conference

© Bernado Roa

#TOPICS OF INTEREST

The topics addressed at the meeting include, but are not limited to, the following: 

  • Rainbows

  • Halos

  • Glories

  • Coronas

  • Iridescence

  • Sky color and polarization

  • Atmospheric visibility

  • Refraction effects

  • Crepuscular rays

  • Contrast phenomena

  • Clouds

  • Optics of lightning

  • Sun and moon

  • Stars

  • Auroras

  • The green flash

  • Mirages

  • Shadows

  • Optics of dust, soil and rocks

  • Colors created by absorption and scattering in water and air

  • Color and light on and in water

  •  Iridescence and colors in biology and geology

  • Atmospheric optics in history and archaeology

  • De-weathering

  • Seeing the appearance of nature

  • Computational techniques for calculating and rendering optical effects in the atmosphere and landscape

  • Sensors and imaging techniques for nature phenomena

  • Lab experiments

#COMMITTEES

International Scientific Committee:

 

  • Javier Hernández-Andrés (Conference chair) - University of Granada, SPAIN 

  • Chuck Adler - St Mary's College of Maryland, USA 

  • Stanley D. Gedzelman - City College of New York, USA

  • Philip Laven, SWITZERLAND

  • Raymond L. Lee Jr. - US Naval Academy, USA

  • Joseph Shaw - Montana State University, USA

  • Michael Vollmer - University of Applied Sciences in Brandenburg, GERMANY

 

Local Committee

 

  • Javier Romero Mora - Optics Department - University of Granada, SPAIN

  • Juan Luis Nieves Gómez - Optics Department - University of Granada, SPAIN

  • Eva M. Valero Benito - Optics Department - University of Granada, SPAIN

  • Rafael Huertas Roa - Optics Department - University of Granada, SPAIN

  • Luis Gómez Robledo - Optics Department - University of Granada, SPAIN

  • Miguel Ángel Martínez Domingo - Optics Department - University of Granada, SPAIN

  • José Antonio García García - Optics Department - University of Granada, SPAIN

  • Francisco José Olmo Reyes - Applied Physics Department - University of Granada, SPAIN

  • Lucas Alados - Applied Physics Department - University of Granada, SPAIN

  • Domingo Barrera - Applied Mathematics Department - University of Granada, SPAIN

 

#IMPORTANT DATES

  • Abstract submissions deadline: 29th February 2016

  • Notification to authors: end of March 2016

  • Early registration deadline: 16th April 2016

  • Conference dates: 31st May - 3rd June 2016

#TENTATIVE AGENDA / Main conference + Excursion

#VENUE 

venue

© Bernado Roa

The 12th International Conference “Light and Color in Nature” will be held at "Salón de Actos" of the Higher Technical School of Civil Engineering from the University of Granada, located in the Campus de Fuentenueva. The venue is within easy walking distance of Granada city centre (about 10min).

 

Address:  Campus de Fuentenueva, C/ Severo Ochoa S/N 18071 Granada (Spain)

 

  • 37.181361ºN, 3.6080ºW

 

 

 

 

#PROGRAM/preliminary program estructure + link

Accommodation

 

The Conference Organization has reached agreements with the following hotels, which offer special rates to the University of Granada and will apply a special rate to attendees of the Conference. Attendees interested in staying at one of these hotels must do their booking by sending an email directly and indicating the reference "12th International Conference on Light and Color in Nature".

 

Hotel ABBA 4*

  • Double room: 75€ (breakfast incl)

  • Double room single use: 65€ (breakfast incl)

  • E-mail: granada@abbahoteles.com

  • Phone: +34 958 807 807

  • Web: http://www.abbagranadahotel.com/en/home.html

  • Ref: H43X111448-M21

  • Walking distance to the venue: 6 minutes, 650 meters

  • Included Free in this Special Price: WIFI Premium in the room and free use of the Fitness area & SPA: Gym, Jacuzzi, Sauna, Turkish Bath, Heated Outdoor Pool and Solarium for all participants at the “Light and Color” 

 

Hotel Granada Center 4*

 

If you prefer not to stay in a hotel, you have the option of staying in apartments in the center of Granada. If you are interested in this option, please contact us via the form that you will find at the end of the page and we will help you arrange your reservation.

 

How to arrive to Granada?

 

  • By Plane

 

Direct flight to Granada: Federico García Lorca Granada – Jaén Airport only has good connections with several major Spanish cities. Because of this reason, people usually fly to Madrid, Barcelona or Palma de Mallorca and then book a direct flight to Granada. Check your options below:

 

- Madrid: Iberia

- Barcelona: Iberia, Vueling

- Palma de Mallorca: Air Europa

- There are also direct connections to London on Mondays, Fridays and Sundays: British Airways

 

The airport of Granada is 16 kilometres away from the city and offers a wide variety of facilities, tourist information, coffee bar, car rentals, bus service and taxis. Taking a taxi is the fastest option to get you to Granada. The ride will cost you around 27€. For more info, please follow the link.

On the other hand, you can get the bus to the city centre. The ticket costs 3€ and the ride takes approximately 40 minutes. For more info, please follow the link.

 

Direct flight to Malaga: Malaga – Costa del Sol Airport has more than 70 international destinations from all over the world in addition to its national connections. This is the nearest international airport and It's only 90 minutes away from Granada. You have 4 options to get there:

 

-Bus (from Malaga Airport): You can get a bus from Malaga airport to Granada bus station. This route has several stops along the way and takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. The price is around 11€. Visit ALSA if you want to buy your ticket online or check the time tables.

-Bus (from Malaga Bus Station): This is the fastest bus option. First you need to go to the Malaga Bus Station. There are multiple ways:

 

- The A Express Bus Line. The bus stop is on the arrivals forecourt of Terminal 3 and the buses run every 30 minutes. You can buy the ticket on the bus for 3€ and the ride takes about 15 minutes.

- The C1 Train Line. This train can get you to the city centre for 1.80€. The trains run every 30 minutes and the ride takes 8 minutes. 

- Taxi. The fare is approximately 20€.

 

Once you get to the station, you can catch a bus to Granada almost every hour from 7:00am until 21:30pm. The fare is around 12€ and the ride takes 1 hour and 45 minutes. Visit ALSA if you want to buy your ticket online or check the time tables.

-Car Hire: Most companies have pick-up and drop-off points both at Granada airport and in the centre of the city. Average prices are 36€ for the economic option, 52€ for the standard option and 116€ for the executive option.

-Taxi: If you don't mind spending a few more Euros, you can always take a taxi. The price is around 150€ during the weekdays and 174€ during the weekends. It takes around one hour and a half. 

 

  • By Train 

 

You can buy your ticket online in the RENFE homepage and check detailed information about prices and time tables. 

 

  • By Bus

 

The bus network around the country is fairly extensive and there are multiple connections with major European cities. Visit ALSA if you want to buy your ticket online or check the time tables. For international tickets, you should visit Eurolines .

 

- Madrid: You need to go to “Estación Sur” if you want to catch a bus to Granada. You would be unlucky if you have to wait longer than 2 hours. The trip takes about 5 hours and costs 18,78€.

- Malaga: See above in “Bus (Malaga Airport)" and “Bus (Malaga Station)”. 

 

  • By Car

 

Our road network has improved a lot in the last 20 years and there are good roads to all major Spanish cities. It takes about 5 hours from Madrid, 11 hours from Barcelona, 90 minutes from Malaga.

 

 

For more info about the venue, visit the oficial tourist site of Granada

Granada´s promotional video:

#SOCIAL PROGRAM / Main conference + Excursion

Social

 

For companions, we have developed an alternative social program that will be compatible with all major social events of the conference: meals, guided tour to the Alhambra, gala dinner and the tour scheduled for the Conference.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • 31st May

 

The neighbourhood called Realejo opens the doors of spaces closed for a long time. The visit begins for unknown places as “Camarín de la Virgen del Rosario”, a little Versailles hidden in the city. Later, we will visit to the royal quarter of Saint Domingo, an ancient defensive tower that it inspired the architects of the Alhambra. Finally, we will walk up to Casa de los Tiros and we know the History of Granada Venegas ́s family and other legends connected with the foundation of the castellan Granada. At the end of the walk, we will come back to the venue to have lunch with the rest of the conference assistants and after some free time we will join the final Conference session: Light & Color Official Slide Show "Pretty Picture Session"

​

 

  • 1st june

 

During this visit we will discover what lies behind the facades and walls that hide the interior of the Muslim homes in the Albayzín neighborhood. These residences, or “Carmenes”, constructed according to the philosophy of Muslim space, were first built with the ambition of protecting privacy, and afterwards served as the location for Christian settlement, influencing Granada’s way of life for future generations. Access to its orchards, gardens, and interiors will take us back in time, and will bring an understanding of the historic reality that these genuinely Granada style houses hide and the various ways that they are used today.  After the visit a bus will take us on to the Science Park where we will have lunch with the rest of the atteendees of the conference. After having lunch we will have time to visit this fantastic science museum.

At night, a banquet dinner with a private flamenco show by Juan Pinilla at Peña de la Platería will be the icing on this day. 

 

  • 2nd June

 

The excursion day will start by visiting an olive oil mill in the Natural Park of Sierra Nevada where attendees and companions would be able to learn all about the production process of olive oil since the olives are in the trees until they become liquid gold.

​

After having lunch at the restaurant Jardines de Alberto and enjoying some free time,we will visit the Alhambra. In this visit, attendees and companions will enjoy the most emblematic monument of the city and one of the most visited in Spain, declared a World Heritage Site. Once finished the guided tour, buses will leave us in the same place we were picked.

 

  • 3rd June

 

Today we will start by ascending the hill “Cuesta de Gómerez” toward the “Arco de las Granadas” from where we continue toward the Towers where ancient prisons of the Alhambra are described. Next, we will enter the “Rodríguez Acosta Foundation” where we will visit conserved parts of the hidden pathways that were connected to the underground tunnels of the Alhambra in ancient times. The visit will continue in the old "Campo de los Mártires" where, centuries ago, Christian prisoners were tortured in gloomy dungeons until they were rescued by Catholics Kings

​

 

For registration and pricing info, fill out the form below. After filling out the form you will receive an invoice with instructions for payment.

 

 

#SUBMISSION 

submission

© Bernado Roa

  • Call for papers:

 

The 12th International Conference on “Light and Color in Nature” will be held from 31 May - 3 June 2016 at the University of Granada, Spain. The organizing committee is seeking abstracts of original, innovative and previously unpublished contributions in the following topics:


Rainbows; halos; glories; coronas; iridescence; sky color and polarization; atmospheric visibility; refraction effects; crepuscular rays; contrast phenomena; clouds; optics of lightning; sun and moon; stars; auroras; the green flash; mirages; shadows; optics of dust, soil and rocks; colors created by absorption and scattering in water and air; color and light on and in water; iridescence and colors in biology and geology; atmospheric optics in history and archaeology; de-weathering; seeing the appearance of nature; computational techniques for calculating and rendering optical effects in the atmosphere and landscape; sensors and imaging techniques for nature phenomena; lab experiments; etc.


Following the format of previous “Light and Color in Nature” meetings, the Conference will have a single call for papers and a coordinated scientific review process. All papers will be double-blind peer-reviewed by at minimum of 2 referees from the International Scientific Committee. All submissions will be reviewed for originality, significance, clarity, impact, and soundness.

 

Individual authors or groups can submit more than one proposal, but Conference time constraints may limit the number that can be accepted per author or group.

 

The submission process is the following:

 

Please submit a 500-word abstract that includes title and author list (you also may include a color or gray-scale image that illustrates your topic). File formats accepted are pdf, doc, and docx. All accepted abstracts will be given as oral presentations. Abstracts may be submitted via email to lcnature2016@ugr.es The deadline for abstract submission is Monday, 29 February 2016. The committee will review all abstracts and notify authors of acceptance by the end of March 2016.

​

Important Dates

 

  • Abstract submissions deadline: 29th February 2016

  • Notification to authors: end of March 2016

  • Early registration deadline: 16th April 2016

  • Conference dates: 31st May - 3rd June 2016

 

  • Applied Optics special issue

 

After every "Light and Color in Nature" Conference a special issue in a peer-reviewed optics journal from the Optical Society of America (JOSA A at the beginning and Applied Optics since 1991) has been devoted for many of the presented papers at these conferences. We intend to continue this tradition.

 

Here is a full list of the special issues that have been published. The URLs will take you to the online record of each journal (full access to pdf copies of the papers is available to journal subscribers). Philip Laven has provided a great web list  that includes links to many of the feature issue papers on the authors’ web pages.

 

 

 

registration

#REGISTRATION 

How to register?

 

First you will need to complete the registration form. After that, payment will be made by bank transfer to account number ES69 3183 1800 1700 0132 5747 (SWIFT CODE: CASDESBBXXX). The bank transfer must clearly state the name of the Conference and the name of the participant. Finally, you need to send us the bank receipt to hola@baobabeventos.com. If you want another payment method, please let us know by using the contact form.

 

Registration fee:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is included in the fee?


The fee includes:

  • Meeting registration

  • Abstract book

  • Coffee/snack breaks each day

  • All lunches during the Conference (31st May, 1st, 2nd and 3rd June) 

  • Banquet dinner with a flamenco show on Wednesday 1nd June

  • Excursion on Thursday 2nd June to an olive oil mill  (lunch and transportation included).

  • Guided visit to the Alhambra and Generalife (2nd June) with bus transportation

  • Visit to the Science Museum (entrance fee included)

  • Slide Show ("pretty picture session")

 

Any questions?

 

If you have questions about the program, accommodation or anything related to the Conference, please contact us through the form and we will reply to you as soon as possible.

 

Are you planning to spend more time exploring Spain or Andalusia?

 

Also, if you want to extend your stay more days and travel around Spain and Andalusia, our travel agency will be happy to help you in enriching the experience of the Conference.

 

Are you travelling as a passenger?

 

For companions, we are developing an alternative social program that will be compatible with all major social events of the conference: meals, guided tour to the Alhambra, gala dinner and the tour scheduled for the Conference. Contact us if you are interested, and we will send you complete information as soon as it is available.

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