A Welcome from the Chairman of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), Vice-President of RAS As Chairman of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), I have the pleasure and honor to invite scientists and officials of mining companies to participate in the 12th International Platinum Symposium (12 IPS), which will be held for the first time in the Urals, where the world platinum industry has started its development. The Urals is not only the boundary separating the continents of Europe and Asia, but it is also a place that connects people from different continents, uniting them in the common Eurasian space. The unique geographical location of the Urals, its well-developed transportation infrastructure, and high level of social and economic development of the region make it attractive for investments and ambitious international projects, both in industry and science. The basis for this is the unique natural resources of the Urals exploited for over 300 years and still remaining the largest donor to the Russian industry. The progress of mining, metallurgy, engineering and electronic industry in the Urals stimulated the development of science and the emergence of large scientific and research centers, universities and other higher education institutions here. Currently Yekaterinburg is one of the largest research centers in Russia, with the Ural Branch of RAS that has several dozens of research institutes in different fields of research. The Ural Branch includes six institutes which carry out research in the field of the Earth sciences. One of them, the Institute of Geology and Geochemistry, UB RAS, is the organizer of the 12th International Platinum Symposium. Suggested scientific sessions promise a stimulating scientific program of oral and poster presentations. A variety of field trips to the places, where many of us have never been before, also promise to attract many participants. I do anticipate that the time spent in the Urals and in Yekaterinburg will be for most of you the period of new scientific contacts, ideas and plans for the future. I would like to thank the organizers of the 12th IPS for their work and look forward to meeting you in Yekaterinburg.