Welcome

The British Society for Developmental Biology is excited to be hosting the 16th Congress of the International Society of Developmental Biologists Congress, in 2009. The 2009 Congress will highlight the best of world developmental biology, and the location in Edinburgh, Scotland's famous and beautiful capital city, should make this a memorable conference. The Congress directly follows the world famous Edinburgh International Festival and the Edinburgh Fringe – why not arrive a few days early and attend both?

Elsewhere on these pages you will see the programme and the outstanding list of international scientists who have accepted our invitation to speak. The meeting will cover all major topics of developmental biology and there will be a particular spotlight on stem cells and their medical potential. We will mark the bicentenary of Darwin’s birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of “On the Origin of Species” with two symposia hosted by the Genetics Society. Cell biology will also be well covered, including a symposium on Asymmetry in Cells, hosted by the British Society for Cell Biology.

A high profile trade exhibition will be fully integrated into the programme. There are also excellent opportunities for many other kinds of sponsorship. Our sponsorship partners are key players in making this Congress a success and we are very grateful for their support.

Finally, you should know that places at the Congress are limited. Once they are filled, we will have to close the registration. So don’t delay, register soon!

I look forward to meeting you in Edinburgh.

Matthew Freeman
Chairman of the Organising Committee

Platinum Sponsor	Official Journal of ISDB 2009	Key Supporters: