Please excuse multiple postings. We wanted to make you aware that registration and abstract submission have begun for the upcoming GeoRaman Conference. With great pleasure, we invite you to attend the 11th International GeoRaman Conference, one of the two major international conferences centered on laser Raman spectroscopy (LRS) and its applications, to be held in the continental United States for the first time. Time, place, and website: Time: June 15-19, 2014, Place: Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA Official website: <http://georaman2014.wustl.edu/>http://georaman2014.wustl.edu/ Abstract submission (on-line link in <http://georaman2014.wustl.edu/abs-submission.php>http://georaman2014.wustl.edu/abs-submission.php) Duration: Jan 31 – April 17, 2014 Abstract (2 pages in A4 format): template in <http://georaman2014.wustl.edu/abs-template.php>http://georaman2014.wustl.edu/abs-template.php Science program on-line: May 15, 2014 Registration before submission: <https://www.hou.usra.edu/meeting_portal/>https://www.hou.usra.edu/meeting_portal/ Conference registration (on-line link in <http://georaman2014.wustl.edu/register.php>http://georaman2014.wustl.edu/register.php) *We recommend student attendees to register as early as possible – the reduced registration rate for students is made possible by various sponsorships. We currently have 20 slots available, which will be used following a first come, first served rule. We will increase the number of slots if more sponsorship funding becomes available. † Details in <http://georaman2014.wustl.edu/register.php>http://georaman2014.wustl.edu/register.php Supporting letter for US visa Application (on-line link in <http://georaman2014.wustl.edu/visa.php>http://georaman2014.wustl.edu/visa.php ) The supporting letter: a pre-formatted letter with applicant’s information for US visa application Duration of on-line service*: Jan 31 – May 31, 2014 *We recommend that international attendees start their US visa application procedure as early as possible. Depending on the country of origin, waiting time for receiving US visa can vary greatly. Accommodations – hotel reservations must be completed separately by individual participants List of nearby Hotels: <http://georaman2014.wustl.edu/hotels.php>http://georaman2014.wustl.edu/hotels.php Period for booking at special rate: March 1 -- May 31, 2014 (upon the room availability) Scientific program – 10 oral sessions, 2 poster sessions, & a full-day field trip: A. The most advanced technologies and instrumentation in LRS, 1. Portable Raman instrumentation for field application 2. Synergistic application of LRS with other technologies 3. Advanced LRS technology and instruments B. The newest LRS applications in the fields of 1. Mineral Physics and Geophysics 2. Geological Fluids 3. Planetary Sciences and Space Exploration 4. Carbonaceous Material Science and Geothermometry 5. Astrobiology and Paleobiology 6. Biomineralization and Environmental Science 7. Cultural Heritage and Archaeology 8. General Mineralogy, Gemmology, and Petrology Information on venue: 1. Conference halls located on the beautiful Danforth campus of Washington University in St. Louis. Lecture hall and Exhibition hall are within 1 minute walking distance. Exhibition Hall will host Opening Ceremony, daily coffee breaks, and Poster sessions. 2. Washington University in St. Louis Danforth campus is connected by a two-line Metrolink light-rail system to St. Louis Lambert International Airport, local hotels, and restaurants. Metrolink Skinker station at WUSTL-Danforth is within walking distance of Forest Park, the Art Museum, St. Louis Zoo, and St. Louis Science Center. Jill Dill Pasteris, Professor Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences Washington University, Campus Box 1169 [Street address for UPS and FedEx: Hoyt Dr. & Throop Dr.] St. Louis, MO 63130-4899 tel. (314) 935-5434; FAX 314-935-7361; e-mail: pasteris@levee.wustl.edu dept. secretary's tel. (314) 935-5610 or 935-5603 Web page at http://eps.wustl.edu/people/Jill_Pasteris