Handbook

4Focus 2011 | Introducon | WelcomeA message fromJulian BarthPresident of the Association for Clinical BiochemistryOn behalf of the Association for Clinical Biochemistry,I’m delighted to welcome delegates to Harrogate and toFocus 2011. This is the first time that Focus has been held inHarrogate and, indeed, Yorkshire.The theme for this year’s meeting is “Focus on Change” and this isreflected in the scientific programme and the changes in themeeting format. As scientists we are used to change. It is alwaysexpected and has become routine in our profession. We do notalways want change, though, and new ideas presented in theliterature and at scientific meetings frequently divide the scientificcommunity in their opinions. This, in my view, leads to healthydebate, and in itself produces even more new ideas. We anticipatewith relish the debates in the programme. This year, speakers willundoubtedly challenge commonly held beliefs and will providedelegates with many ideas to help guide them through the optimalpaths for laboratory improvement, provision of services andimprovements in the way patients are diagnosed and treated.The new “Hot Topics” plenary session has been carefully chosen tostimulate lively discussion. The whole programme is exciting andvaried and should cater for all tastes. The variability keeps theprogramme fresh and also reminds us that the Association continuesto welcome scientists from a broad spectrum of laboratory specialtiesas its members.The format of the meeting has also changed. We welcome the novel“All Day Breakfast” workshops, changes in the naming and timing ofthe Award Lectures and the increased involvement of the CorporateMembers in their sponsorship of the scientific sessions. Positivefeedback from previous years’ meetings has guided us to keep the“old favourites” in the programme: Attended Poster, Clinical Cases,Audit and Industry Sponsored Workshop sessions.Every year, we expect our profession to face new financial challenges.This year is no exception. Not all talks are focussed on finance, butmany will contain information on how savings can be made. Theproblems facing us in the UK are frequently encountered in othercountries. We welcome our colleagues from outside the UK and lookforward to the interchange of ideas from the wider scientificcommunity.Yorkshire people are well known for speaking their mind, just as wescientists do. They are also well known for their welcome andhospitality, just like the ACB. We hope you enjoy your stay inHarrogate, and the pleasures and new knowledge that Focus 2011will provide.