EBMT 2009 Welcome

EBMT 2009 Welcome

On behalf of the EBMT, the Nordic Scientific Committee, and the Local Organising Committee, it is our pleasure to invite you to attend the 35th Annual Meting of the EBMT, the 25th Meeting of the EBMT Nurses Group, the 8th Meeting of the EBMT Data Management Group and the 3rd EBMT Patient & Family Day in Göteborg, Sweden from 29th March to 1st April 2009.

Göteborg is the second largest city in Sweden and is well adapted to host international meetings. The Convention Centre is perfectly suitable for the needs of an EBMT meeting with the conference facilities located in the city centre. Three thousand seven hundred hotel rooms are within 20 minutes walk from the convention centre, and virtually all amenities (cultural events, shopping, entertainment and restaurants) are within easy walking distance. An exciting and eventful social programme with a Nordic flair is currently in preparation and will complement the meeting.

Göteborg Fast Facts

Average Annual Precipitation: 29.2"
Average January Temperature: 0.5ºC
Average July Temperature: 16ºC

Location: Western Sweden
Population: 485,000
Museums: 17
Theatres: 25

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Göteborg Welcomes You!

The Scientific Programme will include symposia, educational sessions and workshops covering issues related to the specific problems of stem cell transplantation, indications for transplantation, as well as basic or translational science relevant to the field. This year we will re-introduce pro/con debates as a platform for the presentation of controversial issues. Paediatric perspectives will also constitute an important aspect of the programme.

The Nurses Group meeting will be a pivotal part of the congress. The 25th meeting of the EBMT Nurses Group will bring together nurses from across the globe to discuss the latest developments in patient care and a number of informative sessions will discuss cutting-edge developments in the field of nursing. The Nurses Pre-Meeting Study Day will take on a new format to better suit the needs of both beginners and experienced nurses. The joint physicians/nurses session is a popular opportunity to share different perspectives on an issue of mutual interest and this year’s subject will be 'In to the future- Quality of Life touching on topics such as sexuality and quality of life'.

The meeting of the Data Management Group has grown substantially over the last 7 years and has become an important possibility for interaction and provides learning opportunities for all interested in data management and statistics. This year’s programme will build on the success of last year’s which welcomed 124 data managers.

We are also happy to be organising for the third time the EBMT Patient & Family Day. As a preliminary concept the programme will focus on late complications and issues regarding family donors. Simultaneous workshop sessions will outline standard treatment and new developments in haematology and transplantation. Communication between the national patient organisations will be encouraged and facilitated.

The EBMT aims to facilitate collaboration between everyone involved in the field of stem cell transplantation. Accordingly, it is our hope that the Göteborg meeting will provide an opportunity to acquire new knowledge and foster international co-operation in a spirit of curiosity, openness, and social interaction. We look forward to seeing you in March 2009 for a valuable and enjoyable EBMT congress.