Invitation

The 4^th World Stroke Congress will be the first in the Southern Hemisphere and the first in the new millennium bringing together clinicians and investigators from all parts of the World with an interest in cerebrovascular disease. This international scientific meeting is the 4^th in a series of quadrennial meetings, the first held in Kyoto, Japan in 1988, the second in Washington, USA in 1992 and the third in Munich, Germany in 1996. Over 2,000 delegates attended the 1996 meeting and we look forward to hosting an even larger number in Melbourne in the Year 2000.

The 4^th World Stroke Congress will involve a four day scientific meeting with teaching sessions, plenary sessions with keynote speakers, parallel platform sessions for free communications, poster sessions, meet the expert breakfast sessions, and satellite symposia. Themes for the teaching sessions on the day of the formal conference opening will include the critical care of stroke, clinical trial design, heart and stroke, interventional neuroradiology, basic neuroscience for clinicians, stroke in young adults and neurosonology.

The Local Organising Committee is planning a stimulating and integrated social program, so that delegates will be able to enjoy some of the aspects of our Australian lifestyle. Melbourne is a beautiful city of just over 3 million people and has a vibrant, cosmopolitan atmosphere enhanced by its diverse, multicultural population. The conference will be held at the Melbourne Convention Centre on the dynamic Yarra River precinct, adjacent to the Crown Entertainment Complex. On the doorstep of Melbourne are the myriad of delights that are Victoria, with everything from rainforest to red desert and surf beaches.

The 4^th World Congress will be immediately followed by the 6^th International Symposium on Acute Stroke and Thrombolytic Therapy in Hamilton Island, Queensland.

On behalf of the Executive, Scientific Program, International Advisory and Local Organising Committees, we look forward to your participation and warmly invite you to Melbourne for the 4^th World Stroke Congress.

Stephen Davis Congress Chair

Geoffrey Donnan Chair Scientific Program