On behalf of the Swiss organising Committee it is a great honour to invite you to the 13th European Burns Association Congress in Lausanne at Palais de Beaulieu.

As in any EBA congress, there will be numerous plenary sessions, with something for every participant, for every professional category, respecting the multi-disciplinarily of burn care.

Two problems that confront us all on a regular basis will be highlighted:

infection with hospital hygiene and pain control.

Special attention will be given to pediatric issues ad to mass casualties. The surgeons will be given time to share their experience in the treatment of burns to tricky areas of the body and the use of keratinocytes.

We have established contacts with the Mediterranean Burn Society and hope that the southern participation will be higher than in the past EBA congress.

Lausanne's history is ancient, going back to long before Roman time. Today's activities are oriented on fashion, modern arts, night life, Olympic activities and fine foods and wines. At the border of our "Lac Léman", in beautiful vineyards and 45 minutes from the Alps, the tourist and sport activities are many; the country is not as costly as its reputation. We have taken a special care of this critical aspect offering a wide range of accommodation categories. Thus for accompanying persons, the trip to Switzerland should also be attractive.

We look forward to enjoying with your our cheeses, wines and chocolate after long days of fruitful exchange !

Mette M. Berger, Professor, MD, PhD                                     Wassim Raffoul, PD, MER
Congress Chairperson                                                         Vice Chairman