Words of welcome

The annual EHA congresses have steadily grown in size and quality,and we are convinced this congress will continue the trend. The Scientific
Program Committee and its Advisory Board have taken much effort to compile an exciting program covering the broad spectrum of benign and malignant hematology. You may wish to update your knowledge in the Education and
Plenary sessions, to discuss specific issues in the Meet-the-Expert sessions, and/or to follow lively discussions in the Lunch Debates.

Exciting new data will be provided in the Hematology-in-Focus, and Clinical Trial Updates. The Molecular Hemopoiesis workshop will also provide a specific opportunity for the presentation of cutting edge research results. EHA is pleased to offer webcasts, and vodcasts of the Education Sessions, José Carreras Lecture, Presidential Symposium, EHA-ASH Joint Symposium, and the Plenary Sessions. Webcasts are open to all EHA members and to participants of the 14th Congress in Berlin. To access the webcasts and vodcasts you need your invitation code, which can be found on the back of your congress badge. Check www.ehaweb.org for the latest program information.

The record of over 2000 abstracts submitted for this EHA Congress testifies to the importance of these meetings, not only for European hematologists but for hematologists world-wide. The Scientific Program Committee alsoacknowledges the increasing quality of the data and work that has been submitted. Those will be presented in oral and poster sessions and the 5 best abstracts have been selected for a presentation in the Presidential Symposium.

During the Opening Ceremony on Friday June 5, Professor W Vainchenker will have the honor to present the José Carreras Lecture. This years’ Jean Bernard Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Professor P Mannucci, in the Presidential Symposium on Saturday June 6, for his lifetime contribution to the advancement of hematology. This edition of the joint EHA-ASH Symposium will focus on cost management in diagnosis and treatment of hematological disorders.

The satellite symposium day held on Thursday June 4 demonstrates the fruitful relationship EHA has with both the pharmaceutical industry as other non-profit organizations. This year 24 satellite symposia are organized and will cover the latest results obtained by innovative treatments.

Besides engaging in the scientific discussions and education activities, you may wish to explore the illustrious history of Berlin or simply treat yourself to the friendly atmosphere the city has to offer. Potsdammer Platz and its surroundings offer anything from both a historical and cultural point of view. Public transport both in the city center as it surroundings is easy, safe and fast. Your badge is your transport ticket for the duration of the congress.

We highly recommend that you attend the EHA social event in the Gemäldegalerie on Saturday, June 6. The museum possesses one of the world's finest collections of European art from the 13th to 18th century. The exhibition includes masterpieces by artists from every age of art history such as van Eyck, Bruegel, Dürer, Raphael, Tizian, Caravaggio, Rubens, Vermeer and Rembrandt. Guides will be available upon your request to elaborate on the works of art. In one of the halls of this magnificent building, you will have the pleasure to meet and converse with your fellow colleagues in a relaxed, non-scientific atmosphere. During the reception, delicious drinks and snacks will be served and jazzy music will fill the, normally silent, halls of the museum. Place your booking at the information desk for € 25 per ticket.

On behalf of the EHA Board, all committees and individual persons involved in this years’ EHA congress, we would like to express our conviction that all ingredients are present for yet another successful episode of the EHA Annual Congress.

With kind regards,

Willem Fibbe President of EHA

Rüdiger Hehlmann Congress President of the 14th Congress