PURPOSE To broaden and spread the theoretical and practical knowledge about innovative methods for rapid detection, enumeration, isolation and characterization of foodborne and waterborne microorganisms and their products. DESIGNED FOR Directors and technicians of industries, consultancies and laboratories of food, and other sectors (clinical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, chemical, environmental, etc.); food inspectors and other government staff; people from microbiology companies; university teachers and technical staff, graduate and postgraduate students; people from other research centres; etc.