The European Astrobiology Institute (EAI) is hosted by The European Science Foundation
- 1, quai Lezay-Marnésia - BP 90015 67080 Strasbourg Cedex - France
- +33 (0)3 88 76 71 00
- +33 (0)3 88 37 05 32
During the conference it will be autumn, so the amount of pollen should not be exorbitantly high. However, something is always blossoming on the Azores due to the mild climate. If you have any food allergies, please inform the local organisers (mentioning it on the registration form will do).
Banks are open from Monday to Friday. There are several bank branches in the centre of Angra. Most generous opening hours has the postal bank CCT which is located in Rua del Palacio on the corner to Rua de Esperanca. It Opens Mon – Fri , 09:00–18:00. There is an ATM alsoc lose to the bank. Other cash machines can be found on the Rua Sé.
The climate in the Azores is very mild and humid The average maximum daytime temperature in Angra do Heroísmo in October lies at 19.8°C (67.64°F). The average minimum temperature goes down to around 17.4°C (63.32°F) (often the minimum temperature is noted at night). Rainfall during October is high with an average of 124mm (4.9 inches). There are generally around 17 rainy days in October in Angra. Bring your umbrella and a light raincoat in case of occasional showers that can be quite heavy.
During the course we will have a walk around Lava fields and lava caves, maybe other volcanic areas. These are mostly A’a lava (or “apalhraun”). Stumbling there and scratching your hands on the (very sharp) lava is definitely no fun and leaves painful wounds. Thus, you have to have apt equipment. Furthermore, the air is usually clear on fine days and the sun is VERY intense and sun protection is a must. Please make sure that you have the following items with you:
Angra is, as a small town, a comparatively safe place. On the island of Corvo the prison cell was once hired out to backpackers due to lack of criminals. However, there has been a rise of drug-related and petty cri inality during the last years. Thus, it is not wise to leave your property unattended on the island. The most common problems to hit foreigners are pickpocketing. If you want to report a crime, contact the local police station located at Praca Doutor Sousa, Junior 1, Angra do Heroismo, phone +351 295 212 022.
Fortunately, annoying time-sharing salesmen and aggressive street peddlars, which can be a nuisance on Madeira, are fairly uncommon in Terceira.
We do not plan any extreme activities, so people should be safe if they take care under the excursions. There are no venomous snakes and potentially dangerous animals around on the land. However, in the sea the Portuguese man o’ war has been sighted during the last years, So take care when you are There have been a total of 5 shark attacks in total on the Azores. Out of those, none have thankfully been fatal. No attacks came out of the blue while 5 have been provoked by humans bathing.
Although great care will be taken by the organisers to ensure safety of participants, it cannot be fully excluded that accidents or illnesses happen. Participants will take part in all activities of the course at their own risk and the organisers do not have any liability for accidents or illnesses affecting any attendee(s) due to course activities. If participants wish not to take part in part of the activities due to safety or health reasons, this is perfectly OK. The organisers will make a reasonable effort to avoid any disadvantage for attendees because of that.
In general, Azorean people (especially those of the older generation) tend to be a bit more formal than other Europeans. Several special things are worth while to remember:
Do’s:
Dont’s:
There is definitely no dress code at the summer course. However, at the farewell dinner you might want to dress a bit smarter.
Road hogs and Sunday drivers are luckily absent, but driving in the Azores can be is more challenging. Roads are curvy, streets in villages often narrow and road rules sometimes not adhered too well. Visitors riding or driving in Portugal must have reached the minimum ages laid down for residents of Portugal even if they are qualified to drive at a lower age in their country of residence. Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised but not required. Overall, Portuguese road rules apply. Speed limits outside built-up areas are 120 km/h on dual carriageway motorways, and 90 km/h at ordinary roads. Inside built-up areas limit is 50 km/h.
DO NOT drink alcohol before and during driving. The legal limit of alcohol in the blood is 0.05 % and drink-driving is punished by heavy fines, confiscation of licence and/or imprisonment. All passengers must wear seat belts and children under 12 years of age are not allowed to sit in the front. Carry a photo ID with you when driving. If you rent a car, you usually have to have had your licence for 1 year. There can be a surcharge for people under the age of 25.
112 is the general emergency line throughout the European Union (similar to 911 in the U.S.) The number can be dialed from any phone, and the call is free.
The cuisine is very special and in some ways different from the mainland Portuguese one. Not, surprisingly, fish is an important ingredient in the diet, beef is widely eaten, chicken is popular. Generally food and especially seafood is of high quality. The Azores are also the only place in Europe where tea and pineapples are grown (the latter ones in conservatories though).
Some typical Azorean are:
In restaurants often a small plate with cheese, olives and bread (couvert) is served (which has to be paid for). On can (apart from luxury restaurants) decline that. This is not a good idea since they usually are very tasty.
The traditional Vinho de Cheiro is forbiddden outside the Azores due to its high methanol content. Some good white and red Azorean wines exist, especially recommendable is the wine from the cellar “Brum” in Biscoitos on the Island of Terceira. There is a local brewery “Melo Abreu” producing a light “Especial” and a dark beer. Imported wines and beers from the mainland are common.
Portugal is an associate member of the Schengen agreement which exempts travelers from regular personal border controls between 13 European Union (EU) countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden) and two European Economic Area (EEA) countries (Norway and Iceland). People living in Great Britain and Ireland are subject to personal border controls upon entry to the Schengen area. Border controls can, however be imposed on travellers from all states (especially because of the present situation). So, if you are a citizen of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein: you will just need a valid passport or ID card.
A list of countries whose citizens DO NOT need a visa to visit Portugal can be found under list II here. This includes the US, New Zealand and Australia. If you need a visa, please start the paperwork AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and contact the Portuguese embassy in your home town.
The hotel and hostel offers free wireless internet connection in the conference room. Internet connections generally can be slow.
Lectures are held in the lecture room at the Centro Cultural, Canada Nova De Santa Luzia, 1 Angra. The lecture room “Workshop 1” is on the first floor
There are strong local dialects at the Azores that can be difficult for Portuguese mainlanders and Brazilians. The command of English varies: Some people are very fluent (former emigrants to America and Canada have even strong Boston or Toronto accents. You will find it easy to pick up some important basic phrases. Sometimes tourists slip off into Spanish, a thing that is not always appreciated.
There are no coin-operated self service launderettes in Angra, but there is a reasonably priced laundry “5asec” at Cerrado do Bailão 6. It opens workdays 08:30 to 18:30, Saturdays 09:00 – 12:30
Breakfasts are served at the hotel. For people staying at the hostel we will provide some groceries. For other meals check the programme.
The first dinner is served at Terceira Mar Hotel on October 10th, 2023 at 19:30. It is a buffet dinner
In case of emergency, call 112 (general emergency). There is a Hospital (Hospital de Santo Espírito da Ilha Terceira) in Angra.It iis situated on the ring road, Canada do Briado, 9700-049 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal, phone +351 295 403 200.
European residents who are covered by a social security scheme in their country of residence are entitled to a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The card simplifies the procedure when receiving unforeseen medical assistance during their visit to a member state. It should be carried when travelling within the European Economic Area, (i.e. the European Union, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland. The EHIC entitles the holder to the same treatment at the same cost as a national of that country. Presentation of the EHIC guarantees reimbursement of the medical costs on the spot, or soon after returning home. The card is only valid for state provided services and not private hospitals or treatments. Please obtain your EHIC card in good time before the summer school. General infos about EHIC can be found here. In case you have to pay, keepa receipt for refund.
Attendees from non EU countries who are not EU residents are STRONGLY advised to get an adequate travel insurance. Otherwise, illnesses and injuries can get very expensive.
Portugal has the Euro since 2002. Also Euro coins and notes from other countries are valid (there is a special set of coins for every country, but is only one kind of bills in the Eurozone). Cash machines (ATMs) are frequent in Angra and are located mostly on the central Rua da Sé.
Fees for the withdrawal depend on the respective credit card and amount on average, 2%. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it is wise to carry cash with you. In small shops and restaurants still cash is king.
It is best to take cash from cash machines. Banks are reluctant to exchange money and exchange offices are expensive.
There are two main pharmacies in the centre of Angra: Farmacia Central, Rua Carreira dos Cavalos 55 A (opening times Mon -Fri 08:30 -18:30, Sat 09:00-13:00 and Farmácia Pimentel, Rua da Sé , 70-72 A (opening times Mon -Fri 08:00 -18:30, Sat 09:00-13:00). Please note that Portuguese laws are more strict on prescriptions than e.g. U.S. ones. If you need medication, take it with you together with a doctor’s statement. Take the red line at customs if you bring medication with you.
Post offices “Correios” are generally open during normal shopping hours. There is a post office in Angra at the Rua do Palàcio. It opens from 09.30 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 18:30 hours on weekdays. The Azores have their own (beautiful) stamps.
There is a good public transport in Terceira, but to more remote locations services operate sporadically. Information about timetables and price of tickets is found at the website of Empresa de Viação Terceirense. You can buy tickets from the driver.
October 5 (Republic Day) is a public holiday. Local holidays and feasts of the church patron saint are celebrated enthusiastically. A special thing is the Festa de Espirito Santo, usually in August.
The 9 islands of the Azores all have their unique character, so it is well worth to spend some time there: Highligts include
Tourist information about the Azores can be found at the Official Azores Tourist Information. Please note that you will not have time for a lot of sightseeing during the course.
The opening hours are handled individually the Azores – in smaller places according to the mood and availability of the owner. Shops usually open Mon – Fri 09:00 – 12:00 and 14:00- 18:00, Saturday 09:00 – 12:00. Supermarkets often have longer opening times. Street markets only open in the morning.
Nice souvenirs are
There are plenty of shops in Angra, large supermarkets tend to be outside the town, as everywhere.
The opening hours are handled individually the Azores – in smaller places according to the mood and availability of the owner. Shops usually open Mon – Fri 09:00 – 12:00 and 14:00- 18:00, Saturday 09:00 – 12:00. Supermarkets often have longer opening times. Street markets only open in the morning.
Nice souvenirs are
There are plenty of shops in Angra, large supermarkets tend to be outside the town, as everywhere.
The opening hours are handled individually the Azores – in smaller places according to the mood and availability of the owner. Shops usually open Mon – Fri 09:00 – 12:00 and 14:00- 18:00, Saturday 09:00 – 12:00. Supermarkets often have longer opening times. Street markets only open in the morning.
Nice souvenirs are
There are plenty of shops in Angra, large supermarkets tend to be outside the town, as everywhere.
There are several supermarkets on the Azores, one (Meu) very close to Alto das Covas on Av. Ten-Cel. José Agostinho 1. If you walk out from Terceira Mar and turn left on the main road you will have a shop on the right before the next intersection.
Taxis cost just over EUR 1,- per km plus basic fee (several Euros). In the night and on weekends they can be more expensive (around 20% surcharge). Although most taxis have meters it is wise to ask for the price in advance. A 5 % tip is usual
The country code for Portugal is 353 and the area code for Angra is 295. To telephone out from the Azores, dial 00 and the country code, so 0049 for Germany and 001 for the US.
Usually mobile phones from Europe work well on the Azores. People from outside Europe can also bring your own cell phone out to the Azores, assuming your cell phone can work properly out in the Europe. Based on experience, AT&T and T-Mobile phones work out there, Verizon and Sprint not so much. There are two major cell phone companies, Vodafone and TMN, and they have stores located through out the major islands of the Azores.
There are still pay phones available throughout the major towns and cities on the Azores. They are located near town, city centers and near public transportation stops. Pay phones accept calling cards as well as euros. Calling cards are available at most cafés, corner grocery stores and magazine stands. They are available at a cost of 3, 5, and 10 euros per card. Pay phones also accept coins in 2, 1 euros and 50, 20, 10 cents, they are more expensive then the calling card option.
Azorean daylight saving time (GMT/UTC ) will be in force during the meeting. There a two hour time shift between Germany, France and the Azores and a 1 hour time shift between London and the Azores. If it is 2 o’ clock in London and 3 o’clock in Frankfurt it is 1 o’clock in Terceira.
Tipping is common in the Azores. It’s usual to tip around 5% in restaurants, for good service. This is in addition to any service charge that may appear on the bill. Tip in cash. In cafés, you do not need to tip but can leave the small change behind. Leave the tip on the table in the tray your bill came in, or give it directly to the waiter. In case of bad service it is OK to give nothing.
The gentlemen’s room is marked with “H” or “Homens”, while the ladies’ room is marked with “S” or “Senhoras”.
Please see the Venue & Access page for details.
! DISCLAIMER !
All the information given above is to the best of our knowledge. However, we cannot accept any liability for inadvertently false or incomplete information on this site.
During the conference it will be autumn, so the amount of pollen should not be exorbitantly high. However, something is always blossoming on the Azores due to the mild climate. If you have any food allergies, please inform the local organisers (mentioning it on the registration form will do).
Banks are open from Monday to Friday. There are several bank branches in the centre of Angra. Most generous opening hours has the postal bank CCT which is located in Rua del Palacio on the corner to Rua de Esperanca. It Opens Mon – Fri , 09:00–18:00. There is an ATM alsoc lose to the bank. Other cash machines can be found on the Rua Sé.
The climate in the Azores is very mild and humid The average maximum daytime temperature in Angra do Heroísmo in October lies at 19.8°C (67.64°F). The average minimum temperature goes down to around 17.4°C (63.32°F) (often the minimum temperature is noted at night). Rainfall during October is high with an average of 124mm (4.9 inches). There are generally around 17 rainy days in October in Angra. Bring your umbrella and a light raincoat in case of occasional showers that can be quite heavy.
During the course we will have a walk around Lava fields and lava caves, maybe other volcanic areas. These are mostly A’a lava (or “apalhraun”). Stumbling there and scratching your hands on the (very sharp) lava is definitely no fun and leaves painful wounds. Thus, you have to have apt equipment. Furthermore, the air is usually clear on fine days and the sun is VERY intense and sun protection is a must. Please make sure that you have the following items with you:
Angra is, as a small town, a comparatively safe place. On the island of Corvo the prison cell was once hired out to backpackers due to lack of criminals. However, there has been a rise of drug-related and petty cri inality during the last years. Thus, it is not wise to leave your property unattended on the island. The most common problems to hit foreigners are pickpocketing. If you want to report a crime, contact the local police station located at Praca Doutor Sousa, Junior 1, Angra do Heroismo, phone +351 295 212 022.
Fortunately, annoying time-sharing salesmen and aggressive street peddlars, which can be a nuisance on Madeira, are fairly uncommon in Terceira.
We do not plan any extreme activities, so people should be safe if they take care under the excursions. There are no venomous snakes and potentially dangerous animals around on the land. However, in the sea the Portuguese man o’ war has been sighted during the last years, So take care when you are There have been a total of 5 shark attacks in total on the Azores. Out of those, none have thankfully been fatal. No attacks came out of the blue while 5 have been provoked by humans bathing.
Although great care will be taken by the organisers to ensure safety of participants, it cannot be fully excluded that accidents or illnesses happen. Participants will take part in all activities of the course at their own risk and the organisers do not have any liability for accidents or illnesses affecting any attendee(s) due to course activities. If participants wish not to take part in part of the activities due to safety or health reasons, this is perfectly OK. The organisers will make a reasonable effort to avoid any disadvantage for attendees because of that.
In general, Azorean people (especially those of the older generation) tend to be a bit more formal than other Europeans. Several special things are worth while to remember:
Do’s:
Dont’s:
There is definitely no dress code at the summer course. However, at the farewell dinner you might want to dress a bit smarter.
Road hogs and Sunday drivers are luckily absent, but driving in the Azores can be is more challenging. Roads are curvy, streets in villages often narrow and road rules sometimes not adhered too well. Visitors riding or driving in Portugal must have reached the minimum ages laid down for residents of Portugal even if they are qualified to drive at a lower age in their country of residence. Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised but not required. Overall, Portuguese road rules apply. Speed limits outside built-up areas are 120 km/h on dual carriageway motorways, and 90 km/h at ordinary roads. Inside built-up areas limit is 50 km/h.
DO NOT drink alcohol before and during driving. The legal limit of alcohol in the blood is 0.05 % and drink-driving is punished by heavy fines, confiscation of licence and/or imprisonment. All passengers must wear seat belts and children under 12 years of age are not allowed to sit in the front. Carry a photo ID with you when driving. If you rent a car, you usually have to have had your licence for 1 year. There can be a surcharge for people under the age of 25.
112 is the general emergency line throughout the European Union (similar to 911 in the U.S.) The number can be dialed from any phone, and the call is free.
The cuisine is very special and in some ways different from the mainland Portuguese one. Not, surprisingly, fish is an important ingredient in the diet, beef is widely eaten, chicken is popular. Generally food and especially seafood is of high quality. The Azores are also the only place in Europe where tea and pineapples are grown (the latter ones in conservatories though).
Some typical Azorean are:
In restaurants often a small plate with cheese, olives and bread (couvert) is served (which has to be paid for). On can (apart from luxury restaurants) decline that. This is not a good idea since they usually are very tasty.
The traditional Vinho de Cheiro is forbiddden outside the Azores due to its high methanol content. Some good white and red Azorean wines exist, especially recommendable is the wine from the cellar “Brum” in Biscoitos on the Island of Terceira. There is a local brewery “Melo Abreu” producing a light “Especial” and a dark beer. Imported wines and beers from the mainland are common.
Portugal is an associate member of the Schengen agreement which exempts travelers from regular personal border controls between 13 European Union (EU) countries (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden) and two European Economic Area (EEA) countries (Norway and Iceland). People living in Great Britain and Ireland are subject to personal border controls upon entry to the Schengen area. Border controls can, however be imposed on travellers from all states (especially because of the present situation). So, if you are a citizen of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein: you will just need a valid passport or ID card.
A list of countries whose citizens DO NOT need a visa to visit Portugal can be found under list II here. This includes the US, New Zealand and Australia. If you need a visa, please start the paperwork AS SOON AS POSSIBLE and contact the Portuguese embassy in your home town.
The hotel and hostel offers free wireless internet connection in the conference room. Internet connections generally can be slow.
Lectures are held in the lecture room at the Centro Cultural, Canada Nova De Santa Luzia, 1 Angra. Please see the Venue & Access page for details.
There are strong local dialects at the Azores that can be difficult for Portuguese mainlanders and Brazilians. The command of English varies: Some people are very fluent (former emigrants to America and Canada have even strong Boston or Toronto accents. You will find it easy to pick up some important basic phrases. Sometimes tourists slip off into Spanish, a thing that is not always appreciated.
There are no coin-operated self service launderettes in Angra, but there is a reasonably priced laundry “5asec” at Cerrado do Bailão 6. It opens workdays 08:30 to 18:30, Saturdays 09:00 – 12:30
Breakfasts and dinners (if not specified otherwise in the programme) will be served in the restaurant at the Terceira Mar Hotel, both for those staying and those not staying. Lunches and coffee breaks will take place at the course venue. Pick-nick or packed lunches at excursions can happen. Participants are kindly asked to communicate any dietary requirements to the course organisers.
In case of emergency, call 112 (general emergency). There is a Hospital (Hospital de Santo Espírito da Ilha Terceira) in Angra.It iis situated on the ring road, Canada do Briado, 9700-049 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal, phone +351 295 403 200.
European residents who are covered by a social security scheme in their country of residence are entitled to a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The card simplifies the procedure when receiving unforeseen medical assistance during their visit to a member state. It should be carried when travelling within the European Economic Area, (i.e. the European Union, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein) and Switzerland. The EHIC entitles the holder to the same treatment at the same cost as a national of that country. Presentation of the EHIC guarantees reimbursement of the medical costs on the spot, or soon after returning home. The card is only valid for state provided services and not private hospitals or treatments. Please obtain your EHIC card in good time before the summer school. General infos about EHIC can be found here. In case you have to pay, keepa receipt for refund.
Attendees from non EU countries who are not EU residents are STRONGLY advised to get an adequate travel insurance. Otherwise, illnesses and injuries can get very expensive.
Portugal has the Euro since 2002. Notes of the old German “D-Mark” currency are no longer accepted as payment. Also Euro coins from other countries are valid (there is a special set of coins for every country, but is only one kind of bills in the Eurozone). Cash machines (ATMs) are frequent in Angra and are located mostly on the central Rua da Sé.
Fees for the withdrawal depend on the respective credit card and amount on average, 2%. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it is wise to carry cash with you. In small shops and restaurants still cash is king.
There are two main pharmacies in the centre of Angra: Farmacia Central, Rua Carreira dos Cavalos 55 A (opening times Mon -Fri 08:30 -18:30, Sat 09:00-13:00 and Farmácia Pimentel, Rua da Sé , 70-72 A (opening times Mon -Fri 08:00 -18:30, Sat 09:00-13:00). Please note that Portuguese laws are more strict on prescriptions than e.g. U.S. ones. If you need medication, take it with you together with a doctor’s statement. Take the red line at customs if you bring medication with you.
Post offices “Correios” are generally open during normal shopping hours. There is a post office in Angra at the Rua do Palàcio. It opens from 09.30 to 12:30 and 14:00 to 18:30 hours on weekdays. The Azores have their own (beautiful) stamps.
There is a good public transport in Terceira, but to more remote locations services operate sporadically. Information about timetables and price of tickets is found at the website of Empresa de Viação Terceirense. You can buy tickets from the driver.
October 5 (Republic Day) is a public holiday. Local holidays and feasts of the church patron saint are celebrated enthusiastically. A special thing is the Festa de Espirito Santo, usually in August.
The 9 islands of the Azores all have their unique character, so it is well worth to spend some time there: Highligts include
Tourist information about the Azores can be found at the Official Azores Tourist Information. Please note that you will not have time for a lot of sightseeing during the course.
The opening hours are handled individually the Azores – in smaller places according to the mood and availability of the owner. Shops usually open Mon – Fri 09:00 – 12:00 and 14:00- 18:00, Saturday 09:00 – 12:00. Supermarkets often have longer opening times. Street markets only open in the morning.
Nice souvenirs are
There are plenty of shops in Angra, large supermarkets tend to be outside the town, as everywhere.
Taxis cost just over EUR 1,- per km plus basic fee (several Euros). In the night and on weekends they can be more expensive (around 20% surcharge). Although most taxis have meters it is wise to ask for the price in advance. A 5 % tip is usual
The country code for Portugal is 353 and the area code for Angra is 295. To telephone out from the Azores, dial 00 and the country code, so 0049 for Germany and 001 for the US.
Usually mobile phones from Europe work well on the Azores. People from outside Europe can also bring your own cell phone out to the Azores, assuming your cell phone can work properly out in the Europe. Based on experience, AT&T and T-Mobile phones work out there, Verizon and Sprint not so much. There are two major cell phone companies, Vodafone and TMN, and they have stores located through out the major islands of the Azores.
There are still pay phones available throughout the major towns and cities on the Azores. They are located near town, city centers and near public transportation stops. Pay phones accept calling cards as well as euros. Calling cards are available at most cafés, corner grocery stores and magazine stands. They are available at a cost of 3, 5, and 10 euros per card. Pay phones also accept coins in 2, 1 euros and 50, 20, 10 cents, they are more expensive then the calling card option.
Azorean daylight saving time (GMT/UTC ) will be in force during the meeting. There a two hour time shift between Germany, France and the Azores and a 1 hour time shift between London and the Azores. If it is 2 o’ clock in London and 3 o’clock in Frankfurt it is 1 o’clock in Terceira.
Tipping is common in the Azores. It’s usual to tip around 5% in restaurants, for good service. This is in addition to any service charge that may appear on the bill. Tip in cash. In cafés, you do not need to tip but can leave the small change behind. Leave the tip on the table in the tray your bill came in, or give it directly to the waiter. In case of bad service it is OK to give nothing.
The gentlemen’s room is marked with “H” or “Homens”, while the ladies’ room is marked with “S” or “Senhoras”.
Please see the Venue & Access page for details.
! DISCLAIMER !
All the information given above is to the best of our knowledge. However, we cannot accept any liability for inadvertently false or incomplete information on this site.
The European Astrobiology Institute (EAI) is hosted by The European Science Foundation