It is a great pleasure and true honor for me and the organising committee to
invite you to attend the 53rd Congress of the „Gesellschaft für Thrombose- und
Hämostaseforschung“, which will take place from February 4 to 7, 2009. We are truly pleased to organise this congress in Vienna.

As congress venue we have chosen a famous and beautiful historical building: the Viennese Hofburg, former imperial residence of the Habsburg family. Since the Hofburg is situated in the heart of Vienna, in close vicinity to the most important historical and cultural sights, you will also be able to enjoy the very special Viennese atmosphere.

The scientific program will, however, be anything but historical, as we will specifically focus on new diagnostic and therapeutic options and critically analyse impacts on individual patients, in accordance with the congress motto “Research for tailored diagnosis and treatment”. Topics will range from new findings in basic research to the most recent developments in clinical management and we will also go into haemostaseologic issues that overlap with other fields of medicine. We are particularly delighted to say that a great number of outstanding experts has accepted our invitation to speak at this congress and we hope that our program will provide you with many new approaches and perspectives, giving fresh impetus to your field of research and
clinical application.

The spectrum of our scientific program comprises, among others, 4 plenary sessions, 9 educational sessions and 18 scientific symposia or sessions with free communications, the traditional GTH working group sessions and the poster exhibition. In order to have time for discussing particularly interesting cases in haemostaseology, we have introduced “breakfast case sessions” and hope to surprise you with new haemostaseologic “pearls”. According to custom, the industry welcomes you to their excellent satellite symposia and the traditional industry exhibition will provide you with information on important developments in diagnostics and treatment.

Certainly, organising the congress in a city so famous for its culture and history, we have also put together an interesting social program to show you and your family the most beautiful faces of Vienna and we hope that you will cherish these memories for long after the congress. On Wednesday, after the official opening ceremony, the famous Viennese cabaret artist Bernhard Ludwig will take a humorous look at what he believes to be the true risk factors for myocardial infarction, afterwards you can enjoy the traditional “get together” in the exhibition area of the Hofburg Vienna. The congress party on Friday will take place in the picturesque and impressive Palais Liechtenstein and will certainly do justice to its motto “Culture and Culinary Delights”, as we managed to engage some members of the worldfamous Vienna Philharmonic orchestra to offer you an exquisite presentation of classical music. A varied selection of guided tours will highlight the many different facets and leave memorable impressions of our metropolis.

We hope to welcome you and perhaps your family to Vienna in February 2009!