Welcome Address

Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It gives us great pleasure to host the 2009 ERS Annual Congress in Vienna, Austria. The ERS Congress, the largest in pulmonary medicine worldwide, provides a unique forum where scientists  and medical professionals from around the world have the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas and information in the field of respiratory medicine. The Scientific Programme of the ERS Congress aims to provide a perfect balance between clinical education and the latest scientific developments. We will aim to highlight the most relevant issues in the diagnosis, management and treatment of respiratory diseases, and to present the latest developments in basic, clinical and population research.

The new conference centre (Messe Wien), located in a green area near the city centre and easily accessible by public transport, provides excellent facilities, including all the necessary infrastructure and professionalism to successfully host a medical convention of this size.

“Vienna is different” – Aside from the congress, you should take some time to explore the many faces of Vienna and experience the city’s numerous historic venues, enjoy its atmosphere of hospitality and enchanting music, explore the parks, lakes and tree-lined alleys, and discover the latest achievements in art and architecture. We are confident that your stay in Vienna will be a memorable scientific and social experience.

To all ERS members and colleagues, a warm welcome to Vienna 2009.

Otto Chris Burghuber Congress Chair

Josef Riedler Congress Co-Chair

Benoit Nemery Scientific Committee Chair