Dear Colleagues and Friends,

I am very pleased to welcome you to the 30th Postgraduate Course and the 44th Annual Meeting of the European Society of Paediatric Radiology (ESPR) to be held in Barcelona, Spain, June 3rd to 7th, 2007. The venue of the meeting will be the Melià Barcelona Hotel, located in an area of the city which offers many possibilities to the visitor.

The Postgraduate Course will take place on June 3rd and 4th. We are fortunate and honoured to count on the collaboration of an internationally-renowned faculty in the field of paediatric radiology. The lectures will provide an update on chest, cardiac and musculoskeletal imaging, recent advances in US, CT and MRI, state-of-the-art sessions in genitourinary and gastrointestinal tract examinations, innovations in neuroimaging, and prenatal diagnosis and surgical treatment of certain foetal malformations. The Course is recognised by the Spanish, European and American Societies of Radiology as an educational activity and certification of attendance will be issued.

During the Congress (June 5th to 7th), in addition to the Scientific Sessions and Exhibits, there will be two symposia: one dedicated to radiation dose, protection and devices and the other to several “hot” topics of great interest. A different radiological quiz case will be displayed on each day of the Congress, and prizes awarded to those accurately diagnosing all three cases.
Of course, there will also be meetings of the multicentre groups involved in CT dosimetry, paediatric oncology, dysplasia of the hip, etc.

Several attractive social events have been planned, including an official reception in the National Art Museum of Catalonia, a musical evening in the impressive Gothic church, Santa Maria del Mar, and a Gala Dinner in the fascinating wine cellars of Codorniu.

Barcelona is a wonderful Mediterranean city with a long history and its own diverse cultures. The city is home to the greatest architectural works of Antonio Gaudi, such as the Pedrera, Casa Batlló, Sagrada Familia and Parque Güell.




The Palau de la Musica is another emblematic building from the Modernist period (Catalan Art Nouveau). You’ll also find one of Europe’s most extensive collections of Romanesque and Gothic paintings in the National Art Museum of Catalonia and outstanding collections of modern art in the Picasso Museum, Miró Museum and Antoni Tapies Foundation.

The climate is benevolent all year round, and in June it is usually warm and sunny. The ideal weather encourages our visitors to enjoy long walks around the Gothic quarter and to relax in numerous outdoor cafes in the city centre or along the beaches and waterfront.

I am sure you will enjoy the stimulating scientific atmosphere of the Postgraduate Course and Congress, as well as the relaxing social events. We look forward to seeing you in Barcelona.


Sincerely,

Goya Enríquez, M.D. President, ESPR 2007