Keynote Conference - Interevent

Welcome!
Welcome to the heart of biomedical sciences! As important as the function of cells
for life, cell biology is at the center stage of science nowadays, either through the
promises in therapy strategies and biotechnology or through the development of new
tools and concepts, not to forget its importance and influence on science education.
The program is dense, explores the many aspects of this fascinating area, and
counts on the contribution from internationally recognized experts. We would like to
express our sincere gratitude to invited speakers, guests, participants, exhibitors and the
staff working to the different committees. This is also a great opportunity to thank the
Brazilian Society for Cell Biology (SBBC) and the International Federation of Cell Biology
(IFCB) for the partnership, and the different government agencies and institutions that
contributed for both organizational and financial aspects, especially FIOCRUZ.
The ICCB2012 is a happy and timely coincidence between the International
Congress on Cell Biology and the Congress of the Brazilian Society for Cell Biology, which
was detected and worked out in 2004. By that time, SBBC hosted the Ibero-American
Congress of Cell Biology (CIABIC) in Campinas, and it became clear that integration of
Latin America should be strongly encouraged for the following years. In practical terms,
ICCB2012 will gather more than 2000 participants, which is twice as large as SBBC biennial
meetings.
ICCB2012 is one of the sixty nine international events taking place in Rio in 2012,
and the city will host the World Soccer Cup in 2014 and Olympic Games in 2016. All this
only reinforces the vibrating environment that we will be in for the next four days.
We hope that by putting this meeting together we will be able to contribute to the
discussion and definition of Cell Biology for the next years and moreover, we intend to
create a forum to highlight the importance of science development in a nation whose
origin roots up the hills in the Wonderful City and increases the pathways and
connections for its integration regionally. Have a great ICCB and enjoy your stay in Rio!
Hernandes F Carvalho and Patricia Gama
Co-Chairs ICCB 2012
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