It is particularly fit to have the ESHG/EMPAG meeting in Strasbourg, as this city houses the European Parliament and many other European institutions, such as the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, and the European cultural TV channel Arte. It is also host for the headquarters of the Human Frontier Science Program Organisation and of the European Science Foundation.
Strasbourg has a rich history in medicine and in genetics. Medical teaching was established in 1540, and a first chair in medicine created in 1585. The university hospital has important architectural remains of this period (the old pharmacy and the wine cellar, both still active). Neurofibromatosis was first described there in 1882, by Friedrich von Recklinghausen, the professor of pathology, who also introduced the name haemochromatosis in 1889. DNA, discovered in the nearby city of Basle, by Friedrich Miescher, was soon studied in Strasbourg by the young Albrecht Kossel, later a Nobel Laureate for his work on the chemical constitution of proteins and nucleic acids. The city hosts several major public research centres in molecular and cellular biology and genetics, and biotech companies. Basle, Freiburg, and Heidelberg, three other major centres of research in biology and medicine are located within 150 km from Strasbourg , leading to trinational co-operation for development and teaching of biotechnology.
Strasbourg has many appeals. It is one of the most beautiful European cities, rich in architectural treasures (including its magnificent cathedral in pink sandstone), in picturesque sites with rivers and canals bordered by half-timbered houses or stone palaces, and in art museums. The social programme will allow you to sample the brand new Museum of Modern Art, adjacent to the old city, and the beautiful Neo-Renaissance Aula of the Palais Universitaire. Strasbourg has a very active cultural life, with all kinds of music and excellent theatres. The gourmet will find an extensive choice of restaurants, from the most sophisticated 3-star Michelin cuisine to the busy and picturesque "wynstubs" around the cathedral, or to a score of tantalising pastry shops (and the end of May is the time of the succulent white asparagus, grown in the nearby villages). All these attractions are within 10 minutes reach of the Congress Centre, using the fast high-tech tram system. For pre or post congress leisure, one can enjoy the beautiful villages lining the Route du Vin (Wine Road), overlooked by romantic medieval castles, (attractive sites for short hikes) and the picturesque town of Colmar (that hosts one of the most spectacular and impressive paintings of all times, the Issenheimer altar by Grunewald).
The scientific programme will offer excellence for all professionals interested in human and medical genetics, and profitable encounters with colleagues, in an enjoyable environment. We are particularly pleased that the meeting is a joint one with the European Meeting on Psychosocial Aspects of Genetics. I look forward to see you there in May 2002.
Jean-Louis Mandel
