WELCOME ADDRESS - CONGRESS PRESIDENT

Dear Colleagues,
I would like to invite you on behalf of the Organising Committees of the ECI 2009 Berlin to come to the exciting Second Joint Meeting of all European National Societies of Immunology, which will be held in Berlin under the auspices of EFIS from September 13 – 16, 2009. After the great success in Paris and the joining of both the Dutch and Austrian Societies for Immunology we expect an even more successful interaction of all European immunologists under the motto: Immunity for Life – Immunology for Health.

The Scientific Programme Committee has worked out an outstanding scientific programme in four tracks covering the most recent developments in basic and clinical immunology. Several European Societies and FOCIS as well as various joint cooperative projects and companies will bring their contribution to organising symposia on immunological disorders and on themes pertaining to immunology. The overall programme consists of more than 30 symposia and 60 workshops which are designed to cover both physiology and pathology of the immune system.
In addition, this meeting has a pan-European educational objective in exposing young European scientists to an international rather than a national audience. Their aim is to present an overview of fundamental and applied aspects of immunology. A provision of a maximum number of grants is currently being organised.

We invite you to use this unique opportunity to present original work and exchange your experiences in the field. The top ranking abstracts will be presented orally. You may find all relevant information and instructions for electronic submission at the congress website.

As a new feature we introduce for young researchers a lunch with the symposia speakers.

There will also be a ‘job-market’ for helping young scientists to find post-doctoral positions and also to find opportunities to meet representatives of both biotech and major pharmaceutical companies.

In addition, EU-networks will have an opportunity to present their work. Finally, the meeting will also be open at certain times for the public and also provide opportunities for patient self-help organisations to be instructed by experts in their field. They will also bring immunology to schools and students of Berlin and Brandenburg.

The exciting vivid city of Berlin is expecting you to show you not only its science, but also the treasures of its museums and monuments, the enormous dynamics of its development of the past twenty years after the reunification in its vibrant nightlife. The city is a perfect place to experience a few enriching and enjoyable days with this congress.

We count on your presence to make this congress a great event. We look forward to welcoming you at the International Congress Center in Berlin in September 2009.

Reinhold E. Schmidt
President of ECI Berlin 2009