Dear Colleagues and Friends, Chers confrères,

it is with immense pleasure that we invite you to attend the Joint Annual Congress of the German Society for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohaematology (DGTI) and the Interdisciplinary European Society for Haemapheresis and Haemotherapy (ESFH), to be held in Düsseldorf from September 16 through 19, 2008. For the first time in the history of our Societies we will have a joint session with our French colleagues of the Société Française de Transfusion Sanguine (SFTS).

Düsseldorf, the Northrhine-Westphalian metropolis, with its prominent bridges crossing the Rhine River may be a meaningful symbol for what this meeting is aimed at: We wish to focus on main topics, to build bridges, and, in particular, to deal with humoral and cellular components circulating in our blood vessels. Specific objectives of the Düsseldorf Congress will therefore be: to discuss recent advances in basic research and their upcoming application in clinical practice, to intensify the dialogue with our colleagues from other clinical disciplines, and, last but not least, to foster young physicians and young talented scientists. To achieve these goals, the Scientific Program Committee will put all efforts together to prepare an interesting and stimulating program of Plenary Lectures and State-of-the-Art Symposia that we hope you will find innovative and exciting. For young physician-scientists a special tutorial about grant writing and research funding will be offered. Moreover, we will organize Educational Sessions, Workshops and Training Meetings, and Corporate or Satellite Symposia in collaboration with sponsors. Your suggestions for the scientific program are very welcome.

The Düsseldorf Congress Center, directly located at the Rhine River, appears to be an ideal location for these activities. It is close to the airport (3 km) and also nearby downtown (4 km). Thus, the frame is set for a stimulating atmosphere and a fruitful exchange of ideas and opinions. Apart from serious science, a variety of cultural and social activities are awaiting you. So, come to join us in Düsseldorf 2008, see your longstanding colleagues and meet new friends.

Nos confrères français soyez les bienvenus.

Looking forward to welcoming you in Düsseldorf 2008,