As Chair of the Scientific Programme Committee of EFIC, the European Federation of IASP Chapters, I am pleased to invite you to participate in "Pain in Europe V", EFIC's upcoming triennial congress on pain, to be held in Istanbul Turkey, September 13-16, 2006.

Pain in Europe V offers world-class Pain Science and Medicine in arguably the most fascinating city in Europe. Our field is racing forward at an incredible pace. New findings and concepts are appearing in rapid succession. For example, do you know how your genes affect pain susceptibility, or why catastophizing is bad for you? How do non-neural cells impact on pain hypersensibility? Are the results of randomized controlled trials really that much better than "real life" clinical experience? How can viscero-somatic interactions fool you about the cause of pain, and how do they occur? What's the latest in the treatment of migraine, back pain and arthritis? And how about interventional procedures; when is it time to refer your patient to a specialist, and what's the best way to learn how to carry out advanced procedures yourself?

There is a growing international awareness that chronic pain is a major unsolved healthcare problem. It is responsible for a tremendous burden of suffering in patients and their families, and enormous financial costs. This awareness has been recognized by the United States' Congress which declared the years 2001-2010 the "Decade of Pain Control and Research", by EFIC's widely endorsed "Declaration" that chronic and recurrent pain is a disease in its own right, and by the marking of October 11, 2004 as the Global Day Against Pain. Whether you have already found your place within Pain Science and Medicine, or are just testing the waters, attending Pain in Europe V is a wise move. Here is a chance to hear and meet the field's leading figures, and to "network" with colleagues from across Europe and the world.
In additionl to the plenary lectures, the programme will include at least 30 topical seminars covering a rainbow of topics, hundreds of daily poster presentations, and numerous industry expositions of drugs, equipment and books. Our objective is to present a wealth of clinically relevant science in an accessible, digestible form, together with the very latest in evidence-based and best-practice-based Pain Medicine in all areas, from nursing to neurosurgery. A key feature of EFIC congresses is to set aside plenty of time for discussion… to give you the chance to query and interact with the experts.

And don't forget to enjoy Istanbul, a dazzling city full of colours, sounds and aromas, brilliant art, historic architecture, exotic markets, food and fun. The Turks are known for their hospitality, and don't be concerned… Istanbul is as safe as any other major European city. EFIC has timed Pain in Europe V to take full advantage of September's glorious Mediterranean weather. Clear skies are guaranteed, and August's heat will be a thing of the past. If you've always dreamed of visiting Istanbul, here's your chance… mark it down in your calendar now. We look forward to welcoming you.

Prof. Marshall Devor, Ph.D.
Chairman of the Scientific Programme Committee