1 September 2012 - 12th International Congress of Behavioral ...

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Dear Colleagues and Friends!
On behalf of the Local Organizing Committee, the “Hans Selye” Hungarian Society of Behavioral Sciences
and Behavioral Medicine, and the Institute of Behavioral Sciences at Semmelweis University, we are very glad
and honored to welcome you at the 12 th International Congress of Behavioral Medicine in Budapest, Hungary.
�e central theme of ICBM2012: „From Basic Science to Clincial Investigation and Public Health” re�ects the
broad and transdisciplinary nature of the �eld of behavioral medicine covered during the meeting.
�e morbidity and mortality crisis across the globe, and particularly in Central and Eastern European countries
characterizing the last decades has given a special meaning to behavioral sciences, as existing explanatory models
of biology, medicine and public health have not been able to explain rapid changes in the health status. Behavioral
medicine research and practice can o�er a better understanding of the health issues of countries undergoing rapid
transition and can o�er alternative models to address these health challenges.
We dedicate ICBM2012 to professor Maria Kopp, the most out-standing and charismatic representative of
behavioral medicine in Hungary and in the CEE region. Her pioneer research with Arpad Skrabski, her partner in
work and life, on the psychosocial determinants of the physical and mental health of Hungarian people has had a
decisive in�uence on scienti�c thinking at a national and international level. She played a determinant role in the
recognition and institutionalization of behavioral medicine education at the medical faculties. She has connected
Hungarian behavioral scientists to international colleagues through ISBM, and she initiated the organization of
the 12 th ICBM in Hungary.
Hosting the 12 th ICBM in Budapest is a unique opportunity for behavioral medicine researchers and clinicians
from Hungary, Central/Eastern European countries, and across the world to discuss local, regional and global
health trends with colleagues from all around the world. �e scienti�c program promises to be excellent, with the
highest number of abstract submissions and registrations in the history of the ICBM. �is indicates the growing
international impact of the behavioral medicine approach and con�rms the need for such international forums.
In addition to the high quality scienti�c program, we o�er exciting social program to facilitate networking,
including the opening and the closing receptions, a Danube River Cruise for the Banquet, and special programs
for the early career participants to make it a memorable, useful and joyful meeting.
Adrienne Stauder MD, PhD
President
“Hans Selye” Hungarian Society of
Behavioral Sciences and Behavioral
Medicine
We wish you a very stimulating and pleasant meeting:
Zoltán Cserháti MD
General Secretary
“Hans Selye” Hungarian Society of
Behavioral Sciences and Behavioral
Medicine
Ferenc Túry MD, PhD
Director
Institute of Behavioural Sciences,
Semmelweis University
Dear Congress Attendees,
On behalf of the Scienti�c Program Committee and the ISBM, I am delighted to welcome you to the 12 th
International Congress of Behavioral Medicine. �is 12 th Congress promises to be an outstanding forum for
disseminating cutting edge science and fostering international collaborations in the �eld of behavioral medicine.
We had an unprecedented high number of submissions spanning all areas of behavioral medicine from disease
prevention to treatment and rehabilitation, and public policy. Over 800 abstracts from 49 countries were submitted
to the Congress. In keeping with the theme of the 12 th Congress, “Behavioral Medicine: From Basic Science to
Clinical Investigation and Public Health”, the Scienti�c Program Committee has assembled an outstanding
lineup of speakers and presentations from all over the world representing all areas of behavioral medicine. �e
Congress theme is re�ected throughout the meeting through a variety of workshops, and symposia, paper and
poster presentations. Midday meetings and career development and networking opportunities are also available.
In addition to our Scienti�c Program, we have a very exciting social program available that includes opening and
closing receptions, several tours and a Danube River Cruise with Banquet. We hope you enjoy what promises to
be a very stimulating meeting and that you have an opportunity to enjoy all the wonders that Budapest and its
wonderful people have to o�er.
With warmest regards,
Frank J. Penedo
Scienti�c Program Chair
Northwestern University, USA
PATRONS OF THE EVENT
Dr. Zsolt SEMJÉN, Deputy Prime Minister of Hungary
Zoltán BALOGH, Minister of Human Resources
Dr. Miklós RÉTHELYI, Former-Minister of National Resources
Dr. József PÁLINKÁS, President of Hungarian Academy of Sciences
Dr. Ágoston SZÉL, Rector of Semmelweis University
Dr. Tivadar TULASSAY, Past - Rector of Semmelweis University
ICBM 2012 IS ORGANIZED BY
International Society of Behavioral Medicine (ISBM) www.isbm.info
Hans Selye Hungarian Society of Behavioral Sciences and Medicine www.selyesociety.hu
Institute of Behavioural Sciences, Semmelweis University www.behsci.hu
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