Welcome Address

Dear Colleagues,
It is an honour and a privilege to invite you to Lisbon from 22 to 25 May 2012, to attend the
XXI European Stroke Conference (ESC), a meeting that many regard today as the most
valuable scientific and teaching event in the cerebrovascular diseases field. Lisbon and its
friendly people warmly welcome you.
The European Stroke Conference returns to Lisbon 10 years after meeting there in 2001.
To the benefit of stroke patients, during the last 10 years we watched an impressive progress
in stroke prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation, in parallel to a fast growing of
our knowledge of the genetics determinants of stroke and of the basic mechanisms of cerebral
ischaemia. Stroke units were implemented worldwide, rtPA was approved for the treatment
of acute ischaemic stroke, statins and new antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs were included
in our armamentarium for secondary stroke prevention, multimodal magnetic resonance
imaging become routine in many centres and new technologies were added to the rehabilitation
strategies, just to name some of the major advances in the stroke field during the last decade.
Meanwhile the audience of the ESC enlarged, as most European clinicians and researchers
but also an increasing number of our colleagues from other continents regard the ESC as
the best forum to listen to the most exciting and recent advances in the field, to present their
own work or to update their knowledge. The ESC has retained its original characteristics,
encouraging the exchange of information and ideas in an open and friendly but competitive
atmosphere.
An attractive scientific programme has been planned including teaching courses, educational
symposia, workshops, poster and platform presentations, where the most recent and well
rated advances in cerebrovascular diseases will be presented and discussed.
Lisbon will wait patiently for your post-meeting free hours or will use its charm to attract you
to stay for a few more days after the conference. The splendid geographical location and
unique light, a multicultural history and ambiance, a vibrant and enjoyable life will be Lisbon’s
irresistible arguments.
On behalf of the Programme Committee of the European Stroke Conference, I wish you a very
successful conference and a pleasant stay in Lisbon.

José M. Ferro
Lisbon, Portugal