President’s invitation

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Italian Society of Clinical Biochemistry and Clinical Molecular Biology (SIBioC) and of the Congress Organizing Committee, it is a great pleasure to invite you to attend the 20th European Congress of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EuroMedLab) that will be held in Milano, Italy, on 19-23 May 2013.
Over 5000 delegates and Laboratory Medicine professionals are expected to attend this prestigious scientific event that represents the most important European meeting and exhibition in the field of Laboratory Medicine. 65 scientific sessions involving 200 outstanding speakers are planned together with about 1500 oral or poster communications. More than 100 diagnostic companies will be hosted in an exhibition area of about 3500 m² in the pavilions of the new Milano Convention Center MIC plus. The Center is a modern complex equipped with futuristic technology with an ideal location in downtown Milano. Its large versatility and architectural beauty make it a perfect emblem of today's Milano.
The Scientific Programme Committee will take great care to prepare a high-quality and varied congress programme that will incorporate the latest developments and ideas in the field of Laboratory Medicine to be presented in the form of plenary lectures, symposia and educational workshops. The programme content will be developed in cooperation with an International Scientific Advisory Board constituted by representatives of European Societies member of the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFCC). In addition, a number of satellite symposia will be organised in different venues, located in Italy (Venezia, Firenze, Bologna) and in the surrounding Countries (Austria, Switzerland, Croatia, Slovenia).
Young scientists are especially encouraged to attend the congress and present their research findings. A specific MILANO 2013 Bursary Programme for young scientists has already been announced by offering to each National Society, member of the EFCC, one bursary for a young scientist (35 years old or less at the time of the Congress) for  attending the Congress in Milano.
We also invite you to take this opportunity to experience the delights of Milano: its more than 2000-year-old history, its stunning architecture, its immense cultural diversity, its inimitable style, its avant-garde cuisine and its warm sunny weather. Milano is ideally suited to provide an atmosphere of true international spirit as the city has learned to deal successfully with the diversities of systems and the coexistence of different cultures.  The city boasts a large number of high-quality hotels, many at walking distance from the Convention Center and with easy access to the city centre. During your stay, don't miss the Duomo, the Leonardo Da Vinci's painting of the Last Supper nor the Sforzesco Castle and La Scala Theatre. You may also like to venture further a field to the many wonderful historic and tourist places to be found in other parts of Italy.
We do hope that you will come along to the EuroMedLab Milano 2013 to share with us the excellent scientific programme and to experience the history and culture of this dynamic city. Milano, with its motto “Science and technology in a unique cultural and artistic setting”, is ready to host scientists and researchers from Europe and Countries all over the World, providing an excellent scientific support by its universities and biotechnology and health research centers together with its artistic and cultural beauties, the Italian cooking and fashion, which are well-known worldwide.

Mark your calendar now for this important event. We look forward to welcoming you to Milano in May 2013.
With warmest regards,

Mauro Panteghini