Message from the president

Dear Colleagues,

It is with great pleasure that, on behalf of the Board of Directors of the ISBT, I invite you to participate in the XXXth International ISBT Congress to be held in Macao SAR, China, June 7-12, 2008.

It is a wonderful opportunity to visit this region, which has a fascinating mixture of contrast and beauty. Macao was the first and oldest European colony in Asia, and accordingly, it has developed a unique culture which successfully blends Oriental and Occidental backgrounds. In another words, Chinese tradition met with Western innovation here, the result of which is recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage. With such a history, Macao has long prospered as one of the leading territories in Asia.

The Local Organising Committee in Macao and the International Scientific Committee (ISC) are forming a tight scrum to provide a highly attractive programme spotlighting recent advances in transfusion medicine and related disciplines, including stem cell therapy, cellular therapy, and regenerative medicine. You will certainly appreciate and enjoy the scientific forums composed of educational programmes, symposia, plenaries, and other concurrent sessions. I am sure that the more energy you stake on your participation, the more benefit you can obtain inside the brand-new conference venue – thus, I strongly encourage you to submit a proposal for presentation.

It will be a very comfortable and fascinating few days in Macao and a great opportunity for everyone to make and renew international friendships as well as to experience the blend of Western and traditional
Chinese cultures. Despite its tiny size, we are confident you will receive a huge welcome by the Macanese.

I look forward to meeting you in Macao.

Shigeru Takamoto
President ISBT / Chairperson ISC