14th European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious ...

Welcome Address
Dear Colleagues, Dear Participants, Dear Friends
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this important event organised by the European Society of
Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases here in Prague. It takes place for the first time in this part
of Europe, in a country with a long history and rich culture. The Charles University was founded in Prague
in 1348 and represents the oldest University in Central Europe.
It is a great honour to welcome you on behalf of the Organising- and the National Committee to the
14 th ECCMID. We are particularly honoured that the ESCMID has decided to hold its major scientific meeting
here. The annual European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases is proposing a
challenging programme covering all aspects of human infections.
This years meeting will be attended by a very large number of participants from all over Europe and
other parts of the world. Stimulating presentations of the latest research findings in laboratory and clinical
diagnostic, therapy and prevention of infectious diseases will be addressed in a truly interdisciplinary
perspective.
The ECCMID provides a unique opportunity for infection specialists to exchange knowledge and share
experience. Moreover, it offers the young scientists and practitioners a direct exposure to the critical exam
ination of their data. The scientific and organising committees together created an advanced and multiform
scientific and educational programme, as outlined in the Address of Prof. Marc Struelens, President of the
ESCMID.
I hope that you will remember for a long time the fascinating experience of the spring atmosphere in the
city of Prague.
I wish all of you a pleasant stay and an enriching meeting.
Prof. J. Jelinkova
President 14 th ECCMID
page 6 Final Programme