What sets the ISID apart is its membership from more than 100 countries, its focus on both low- and high-resource countries and their problems, and its provision of the opportunities to see the results of its various scientific and educational programs. You will all undoubtedly be familiar with ProMED-mail. This ISID program has made a major contribution to outbreak reporting--it has led the way with information on outbreaks such as SARS and avian influenza. Likewise the program of the conference will lead the way in bringing world- renown speakers to address issues of emerging infectious diseases and advances in diagnostic techniques as well as practical sessions on therapeutic problems and their solutions, infection control issues, and the ever-increasing problem of antimicrobial resistance. The usual format of the congress--plenary sessions, symposia, 'meet-the-professor' and poster presentations--will be
supplemented with workshops to enhance the exchange of experience and knowledge. ISID is a dynamic society with a commitment to serve its members by providing an exciting atmosphere for learning and sharing of information.

It is appropriate that the 12th ICID will be held in Lisbon, a beautiful and dynamic city. Set on many hills, it is a multicolored city with bright yellow buildings, happy, friendly people, and a relaxed and interesting culture. The sun will be warm, the food will be good, and the company superb. Infectious disease practitioners, whether they are clinicians, scientists, researchers, or other health care practitioners, are attracted to the discipline for many reasons and recognize that it provides a lifetime of challenges. Come and share these challenges with your colleagues. Come and join us in Lisbon. We look forward to your contributions and to your fellowship.

Keryn Christiansen, M.D.
President, International Society for Infectious Diseases