We are delighted to invite you to Paris for the ESC Congress 2011, where we will also welcome colleagues from our 53 National Societies, 34 Affiliate Societies and the rest of the world in our global forum. The ESC Congress is currently the world’s premier conference on the science, management and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Our chosen spotlight ‘controversies in cardiovascular medicine promises stimulating debate of today’s most prevalent topics.

Improving the care of patients with cardiovascular disease is one of Mankind’s biggest challenges and the guiding mission of the European Society of Cardiology. Our 2011 programme will further this goal by bringing together everybody involved in Cardiovascular Medicine, from clinical practitioners to basic scientists, epidemiologists, nurses, technicians, health care industry, care opinion leaders and policy makers.

The translational aspects from basic science to clinical medicine, are highlighted by involving all groups in cardiovascular science involved with patient care. A special track on the first day for general practitioners, primary care physicians and nurses, is maintained, but also translational sessions, addressing the way from the bench to the cardiovascular megatrial in clinical medicine, will be an essential part of the programme. In particular, young investigators generated a special educational track. This group, called “cardiologists of tomorrow”, will be actively involved in the programme in order to refresh our scientific programme and make it most interesting for young investigators and physicians in training.

More than ever the ESC Congress is the forum at which researchers aspire to present their work. With over 9,500 abstracts submitted, our Congress is the place for you to keep abreast of current and future developments in our field. This view would not be complete without the contributions of the healthcare industry. The technical exhibition and industry sponsored sessions continue to break new ground in terms of quality education and we acknowledge their ongoing support.

Last, but not least, we should mention our new destination, Paris. We are confident that this unparalleled capital city will attract unprecedented numbers of you from around the globe. We are also convinced that each of you will find something uniquely inspiring during your short stay with us in this beautiful city.

Join us in Paris and make your contribution to the advancement of collaboration, knowledge and patient care.


                                        

Michel Komajda                                        Michael Böhm
President                                                    Chairperson
European Society of Cardiology               Congress Programme Committee