he theme of the Congress is microcirculation in health and disease with a focus on emerging research and technologies. Its objective is to advance research and education in the many areas of microcirculation. With strong representation from the International Scientific Advisory Committee, with representatives from England, Europe, North and South America and the Pacific Rim, the Local Organizing Committee has developed an exciting meeting which reflects the growing research areas of microcirculation and the pivotal role these fields play in translational applications. Congress symposia will include inflammation, permeability, vascular control and angiogenesis, to name a few.