Most things seem to indicate that it was the Danish Viking, King Svend Forkbeard who founded Lund in about 990. That Canute the Great, sovereign of the united kingdoms of England and Denmark, should single out this site in southern Sweden for what was later to become the religious, political, cultural and commercial centre for all of Scandinavia, was a triple tribute indeed... to Lund’s favourable geographic location - to the townsfolk’s diligence - and to the green and fertile land-scape of the lovely province of Scania.
        Today, Lund is every inch as rewarding - and even more inviting. Wander through the town at will and your way will be enhanced by winding, sometimes cobbled streets that weave a charming tapestry through centuries of Time, by picturesque buildings, proud reminders of Lund’s prominence, past and present, and by the ever-contagious spirit of cheerful and friendly exuberance that has characterized both the city and its people through the ages.
        IDEON - Scandinavia’s biggest research village is situated in Lund. The village will promote high-tech research and develop-ment work within Swedish industry in close cooperation with Lund University. IDEON is based on the creation of SUN (Cooperation between University and Industry) where the University, theCounty Administration and Scania’s Chamber of Commerce collaborate. More than 100 companies have joined to create one of Europe’s biggest research village.
        From time immemorial, Lund has been a meeting place where people from near and far have gathered to discuss their affairs. Today, Lund keeps this tradition very much alive with a year-round calendar of scientific conferences and meetings. Among the many attractions in Lund are the Romanesque Cathedral dating to 1145, Kungshuset, erected during the latter part of the 16th century as a residence for the Danish king, Fredrik II and later used by the University; the main library and its branches which together have approximately 100,000 shelf-meters of books (between 3 to 3.5 million volumes). They range from 12th century manuscripts to today’s bestsellers, but most important, they provide a comprehensive selection of current scientific literature.
        ‘Kulturen’, as it is popularly called, is one of the country’s biggest and finest open-air museums, a fascinating assembly of centuries-old farm and manor houses. Many of these buildings have been gathered from various parts of southern Sweden. Here you can examine rune stones and implements dating back to the Viking Age, wander through quaint stores and cottages with turf roofs. The optional pre-conference event on Saturday, June 16, 2001 will include a visit to ‘Kulturen’, followed by dinner.