Welcome by the ISBT President

More than five centuries ago, Portuguese explorers sailed away through the western African coast, crossing the Cape of Good Hope, finally reaching the Indian subcontinent.  But they went even further east, up to Viet Nam, Japan, and China, and to Brazil to the west.

The Portuguese former colonies became different countries today, but the Portuguese legacy still persists. Distant countries share the same language and cultural aspects. Now, it is time to all Europe and other countries of the world to explore Portugal, during the next ISBT Regional Congress in Lisbon, June 2011.

A carefully selected scientific programme has been organized by the Scientific Committee, covering upfront issues in Transfusion Medicine. But Portugal is more than an excellent venue for scientific meetings. I am certain that all attendees will enjoy the hospitality, the cultural life and its music, the characteristic architecture and the history of the most western European country, whose intimacy with the Atlantic, the sunny weather and the excellent sea shores make Portugal unique in Europe.

Don’t miss Portugal in June 2011. Open arms and a lovely smile will be waiting for you.

Silvano Wendel MD, PhD
ISBT President 2010 - 2012