It is a privilege to us to be the host of the 13^th International Food Data Conference (IFDC). On behalf of the Organizing Institutions and the local Organizing Committee we are pleased to invite all you to the 13^th IFDC in Lisbon, Portugal and enjoy the scientific topics around the selected theme “Challenges for Food Databases in the Bioinformatics Era”. This conference will be held in Lisbon, between the 15th and 18th of October 2019.

Our aim is to exchange experiences among specialists from around the world on themes such as the generation and compilation of food composition data and their applications in the different areas such as nutrition, health, biodiversity, food technology, biotechnology, food policies, food nutrition education, and agriculture programmes and policies.

The Conference Programme Committee, with the support of the INFOODS and International Scientific Committee is working to develop an outstanding program of scientific excellence divided into sessions covering a broad of topics, namely: 1) Analytical methods; 2) National and international activities; 3) Food composition in nutritional epidemiology; 4) New compositional data; 5) Food processing and recipe calculation; 6) Data quality and metrology; 7) Food authenticity; 8) Food composition in agriculture, trade and legislation; 9) Food data and bioinformatics; 10) Food data and environmental and sustainability; 11)Food composition and application of Novel foods and restricted diets; and 12) Others.

We welcome all of you at the 13^th IFDC and are looking forward on working together on improving food composition data usage and availability from a multidisciplinary approach and welcoming professionals from nutrition, economy and agriculture.

This conference will allow us to exchange experiences and knowledge, create new partnerships and discuss aspects that may improve the food composition area and its usage. The shared experience of those countries already having a database could inspire others to apply those advances and new technology.

In addition, Lisbon is a historical city full of stories to tell with lots of sun and good temperature. Lisbon is a city full of authenticity where old customs and ancient history intermix with cultural entertainment and hi-tech innovation. Lisbon is ageless, but it loves company, as you’ll find out if you meet someone and ask them to explain, with lots of gestures and repetition, where the best place is to listen to Fado. After all, Lisbon is famous for its hospitality and the family-like way it welcomes visitors.

Our wish is that you have a fruitful and successful 13^th IFDC, enjoy your stay and leave Lisbon with unforgettable fond memories. With the collaboration and support of all attendants and with the spirit of partnership and working together we hope that achieving the goal of the IFDC.