15^th Paediatric Rheumatology European
Society Congress
Sunday 14^th - Wednesday 17^th September 2008
University College London, UK

Dear Colleagues

We are pleased to invite you to attend the 15th Paediatric Rheumatology European Society Congress (PReS) being held at University College London (UCL), this year. UCL is the first non-conformist university in Britain and the first to give degrees to women. It was ranked as one of the top 10 universities in the world in 2007. The affiliation of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children with UCL has been a highly successful partnership over the last decade and has benefited paediatric rheumatology.

The Congress will again have several related components: young investigators meeting before the meeting, and for the second year, PReS will provide a bursary for young investigators to attend and participate in the main conference. There will also be educational programmes separately for medical and AHP on the Sunday preceding the main scientific meeting. The philosophy of the meeting is to link clinical observation with research, and translation of research back into treatment for patients. For the first time we will try to give a more multidisciplinary feel to the meeting and we want to encourage all health professionals to come to the plenary sessions as there will be something for everyone!

The programme of the meeting will cover 4 main topics through keynote lectures, abstract presentations and supported by educational workshops: juvenile arthritis, juvenile dermatomyositis, vasculitis and pain. There will be novel symposia such as sport and exercise in young people and adolescents with inspirational speakers. We welcome abstracts for both oral and poster presentations. All accepted abstracts will be published online as a supplement to Pediatric Rheumatology and printed in the Final Programme or provided on CD to be distribute at the Congress.

Last but not least, we have a great social programme too. London is the place where the historic past and the vibrant present come alive. A blend of history, ground-breaking architecture and culture has created an amazing and constantly evolving city. Not surprisingly the capital has become a mecca for visitors and a great place to live. There really is something to appeal to everyone and whatever your interests may be, the city has it covered. London has the greatest concentration of major attractions in Britain and boasts four World Heritage Sites. Consider extending your stay to visit top attractions like the British Airways London Eye or the Tower of London, join a tour, attend the myriad of plays, music drama, concerts, or perhaps relax in one of the capital’s beautiful parks, museums and gardens.

We very much look forward to welcoming you to London in September 2008.




Patricia Woo                                                      Wietse Kuis
President of the Congress                                  President of PReS