Venue

The Town

Humacao is located in the South Eastern coast of the island of Puerto Rico; 50 km by road from San Juan and 20 km from El Yunque National Rainforest. Humacao was founded in 1722 and derives its name from a local Indian chief Jumacao. The town has approximately 60,000 inhabitants.

Visitors to Humacao can enjoy both the coast, with beautiful beaches and small restaurants with local specialities, and the mountain with wonderful views of the eastern region of the island. Downtown Humacao has some nicely restored historic houses like the Casa Roig Museum, the former house of a sugar cane plantation owner.

Culture

Humacao hosts many festivals and cultural events during the year. One of the most popular events is El Festival de la Pana (Breadfruit Festival) in September. The celebration, in the mountain region of the town, includes traditional music, art craft exhibits and dozens of dishes prepared with pana. Panas are out of season in May but you will be able to try the traditional granos (rice fritters) that are sold every morning in the streets of Humacao and are unique to the town.

Sports

The most important sport events for Humacao people are baseball, basketball, and football (soccer). The local football team Tornados is affiliated with the Mexican Pachuca team.

UPR-Humacao

The University of Puerto Rico at Humacao (UPRH) is one of the eleven campuses of the University of Puerto Rico public system. UPRH is an undergraduate institution with approximately 4,500 students. The campus is well known for its applied science and mathematics programs and for a high participation of students in undergraduate research. UPRH has strong links with the surrounding communities. Many research and education projects at UPRH integrate schools and communities from the region.

PREM and MRSEC PIs Meetings

The PIs Meetings will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Palmas del Mar, Humacao, Puerto Rico. The program will include a visit to the University of Puerto Rico at Humacao (UPRH) PREM facilities. All conference rooms have wireless internet available to participants bringing their computers.

Information about excursions to Humacao and other sites in Puerto Rico, including El Yunque and Old San Juan can be coordinated at the hotel or consulting with the UPRH conference organizers.