PROGRAM

View Program Timetable

On this page you will find information on:

Keynote and Invited Speakers

ISFP Excellence and Special Achievement Awards

Registration

Social Program

Accommodation and Hotels

Touring Options

Professor Russell Doolittle

Keynote Speaker -

Professor Doolittle's keynote presentation title will be "Structural Biology of Fibrin Formation
and Its Dissolution."

Russell Doolittle received a PhD in biochemistry from Harvard in 1962, after which he spent two years in Sweden as a postdoctoral fellow. Since 1964 he has been at the University of California, San Diego, except for a sabbatical year in Oxford (1971 - 72) and a shorter stint as a Guggenheim Fellow at the University of Melbourne (Nov. 1984 - Jan. 1985). His principal research interests have centred around the structure and evolution of proteins, including especially those involved in blood coagulation. In recent years Professor Doolittle's laboratory has been very involved in determining the crystal structure of fibrinogen and various fibrin fragments.

Prof Francesco Blasi

Invited Speaker -

Professor Blasi is Professor of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Università Vita-Salute H.S. Raffaele, Milan and FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology. Professor Blasi has had a long standing interest in the molecular and cellular biology of the plasminogen activating system, with a particular focus on the u-PA receptor.

Dr Thomas H. Bugge

Invited Speaker -

Dr Bugge is Chief of the Proteases and Tissue Remodeling Unit, NIDCR, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland. Dr Bugges research centres on pericellular proteolysis in development, tissue remodelling, and cancer.

Dr Angela Carter

Invited Speaker -

Dr Carter is a University Research Fellow at the University of Leeds, UK. Dr Carter is currently studying novel risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Prof David Ginsburg

Invited Speaker -

Professor Ginsburg is the Warner-Lambert/Parke-Davis Professor of Medicine and Human Genetics and a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator at the University of Michigan. Professor Ginsburg is also a member of the Institute of Medicine, and recipient of the 2002 ISFP Prize. Professor Ginsburg's research program centers on the molecular genetics of inherited bleeding and thrombotic disorders.

Prof Peter Grant

Invited Speaker -

Professor Grant is Professor of Medicine, Academic Unit of Molecular Vascular Medicine, Leeds United Kingdom. Professor Grant is an academic diabetologist with an interest in the role of the fibrinolytic and haemostatic systems in insulin resistance and the thrombotic risk in type 2 diabetes.

Prof John Hamilton

Invited Speaker -

Professor Hamilton is NH&MRC Senior Principle Research Fellow at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Professor Hamilton's current research addresses the control and development of cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage and the function of this lineage in inflammatory disease, including arthritis.

Prof Philip Hogg

Invited Speaker -

Professor Philip Hogg is a Senior Biochemist at the Centre for Vascular Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney. Professor Hogg's research focuses on the role of disulphide bonds as switches for protein function.

Prof Roger Lijnen

Invited Speaker -

Professor Lijnen is at the Center for Molecular and Vascular Biology, University of Leuven, Belgium and is Executive Director of the ISFP. He has been involved in fibrinolysis research for over 25 years. Professor Lijnen's main interests at present are the role of the fibrinolytic and MMP systems in vascular remodeling and obesity.

Prof David Loskutoff

Invited Speaker -

Professor David Loskutoff is at the Department of Vascular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, San Diego, USA. Professor Loskutoff has been exploring the role of PAI-1, vitronectin and leptin in thrombosis, restenosis, angiogenesis and obesity.

Prof Motoharu Seiki

Invited Speaker -

Professor Seiki is Deputy Dean and Professor, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo. Current research of Prof Seiki addresses the biology and pathophysiology of the Matrix Metalloprotease (MMP) family of enzymes.

Prof Sidney Strickland

Invited Speaker -

Sidney Strickland is Professor and Dean of the graduate school at The Rockefeller University, New York USA. He has studied many aspects of the role and regulation of t-PA over many years. In recent times he has made significant contributions to the role of t-PA in the central nervous system. Professor Strickland has been awarded the ISFP prize for 2004 and will be presenting a plenary lecture at the ISFP 2004 Congress.

Dr Stella Tsirka

Invited Speaker -

Dr Tsirka has been a member of faculty in the Department of Pharmacology at SUNY Stony Brook, USA since 1998. Her main research interest is the role and influence of tissue-type plasminogen activator within the central nervous system.

ISFP Excellence and Special Achievement Awards

The International Society on Fibrinolysis and Proteolysis has allocated funds to award excellence and special achievements of students and young post-doctoral investigators. Further funding for this purpose is being sought from sponsors.

The awards will be based exclusively on the quality of the submitted abstract. All abstracts will be graded by at least three assessors. To be eligible for consideration it is necessary that the Congress Organisers receive written confirmation from the applicants' supervisor or Department Head that they are enrolled in post-graduate study (for students) or have less than three years post-doctoral experience (young post-doctoral investigators).

To apply for an award, please email your request to the Congress Secretariat program@icms.com.au and include the following information:

1. Your name
2. Your submitted abstract title
3. Copy of your supervisor or Department Head's written confirmation (email attachment or sent as a facsimile to ICMS Pty Ltd, 84 Queensbridge Street Southbank, Melbourne, 3006 fax: +61 3 9682 0288)

There will be two Award classes:
1. ISFP Excellence Award AUD $1,500
2. ISFP Special Achievement Award AUD $500

The number of awards allocated will depend on total funds available. Applicants will be notified of their success or otherwise before the registration deadline (December 3, 2003). Winners of the ISFP Special Achievement Award will be asked to present their research during a Special Plenary Session.

Awards will also be available to help support scientists/students from developing countries or those with financial hardship. The awards will be allocated be at the discretion of the ISFP2004 Organising Committee, upon receipt of a written application.

Registration Information

REGISTRATION DESK
The registration desk will be located on Level 3, Bridge Area, at the Melbourne Convention Centre and will be open during the following hours:

REGISTRATION DESK HOURS
Sunday 21 March - 15:00 - 18:30
Monday 22 March - 07:30 - 17:00
Tuesday 23 March - 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 24 March - 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 25 March - 08:00 - 16:00

REGISTRATION FEES

Before 3 Dec 2003
ISFP Member Fee - AUD650.00
ISFP Non Member Fee - AUD775.00
Student * - AUD300.00
Student Day Fee** - AUD150.00
One Day Fee** - AUD275.00

Between 3 Dec 2003 and 14 March
ISFP Member Fee - AUD750.00
ISFP Non Member Fee - AUD875.00
Student * - AUD350.00
Student Day Fee** - AUD200.00
One Day Fee** - AUD325.00

From 15 Mar 2004
ISFP Member Fee - AUD850.00
ISFP Non Member Fee - AUD975.00
Student * - AUD400.00
Student Day Fee** - AUD250.00
One Day Fee** - AUD375.00

*Student Fee: A photocopy of your student identification or a letter from your training director verifying your status is necessary.

**Please indicate day of attendance.

All registration fees are inclusive of a Government 10% Goods & Services Tax (GST). At the time of printing AUD1 was equivalent to 0.64 USD and 0.57 EURO.

REGISTRATION ENTITLEMENTS

Full Delegate/ Student Fee are entitled to:

Admission to the Official Welcome Reception
Admission to all Scientific Sessions
Congress Satchel
Final Program and Abstract Book
Morning and Afternoon Teas
Lunches
Admission to the Trade Exhibition

Please note: Registration Fees do not include Accommodation or the Congress dinner. On-site Delegates are not guaranteed a Congress Satchel.

Student Day Fee/One Day Fee includes:

Admission to Scientific Sessions on day of registration
Congress Satchel
Final Program and Abstract Book
Morning and Afternoon Tea on day of registration
Lunch on day of registration
Admission to the Trade Exhibition day of registration

PAYMENT
All prices quoted are in Australian dollars and payments in any other currency will not be accepted. Registration cannot be confirmed until full payment is received. The Congress Secretariat can accept the following methods of payment:

Cheque/Money Order/Bank Draft
Please make payable to XVIIth International Congress on Fibrinolysis and Proteolysis

Overseas delegates
Personal cheques will not be accepted and will be returned to sender.

Telegraphic Transfers
Telegraphic transfers will be accepted, free of fees, to the account listed below. To ensure prompt reconciliation please send a copy of the transfer record to the Congress Secretariat.

SWIFT Code: ANZBAU3M
BSB No: 013 606
Account No: 1087 57574
Account Name: Intl Soc For Fibrinolysis and Proteolysis
Bank: Australian and New Zealand Banking Group Limited
Address: 3/388 Collins Street Melbourne, VIC 3000

Credit Card
All major credit cards are accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. Credit Card payments will appear as ICMS Pty Ltd on you credit card statement.

REGISTRATION ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Your registration will be acknowledged via fax or by post within 7 to 10 working days of receipt of the registration form. Registration Fees are based on date of receipt of payment (not based on date of receipt of registration forms).

ALTERATIONS
Alterations to your registration will not be accepted over the telephone. Alterations must be in writing via:
1. E-mail: registration@icms.com.au
2. Fax: +61 3 9682 0288
3. Post: XVIIth International Congress on Fibrinolysis and Proteolysis, C/- 84 Queensbridge Street, Southbank Victoria 3006, Australia

CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS
Cancellations must be advised in writing to the Congress Secretariat. Cancellations received before Wednesday 3 December 2003 will receive a refund of Registration Fees, less an administrative charge of AUD100. Cancellations after this date will not be refundable. Cancelled Social Program tickets are refundable prior to Friday, 5 March 2004. Tickets cannot be returned for re-selling after this date.

ON-SITE REGISTRATION
If you have not registered by Monday, 15 March 2004, you will need to register on-site. The Registration Desk (see above for details) will be open from Sunday, 21 March 2004. On-site delegates are not guaranteed a Congress Satchel.

LETTER OF INVITATION
The Congress Secretariat will be pleased to send an official letter of invitation upon request. It is understood that such an invitation is intended to help potential delegates raise travel funds or obtain a visa. It is not a commitment on the part of the Organising Committee to provide any financial support. Invitation letters must be requested prior to Friday, 30 January 2004. The Congress Secretariat will fax and post invitation letters via the standard mail service. Any Express mail requests will require a payment of AUD12.50.

Social Program

OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY AND WELCOME RECEPTION

Date: - Sunday 21 March 2004
Time: - 17:00 - 19:30
Venue: - Latrobe Theatre and You Yangs Hall, Melbourne Convention Centre
Cost:: - Inclusive
Additional ticket guest: - AUD50.00
Dress Code: - Smart Casual

An invitation is extended to all delegates to attend the Welcome Reception. This informal function will provide delegates with a truly Australian welcome to the Congress including some interesting and interactive entertainment which guests are able to enjoy whilst they are having a drink in the Congress Exhibition Area.

ISFP GALA DINNER

Date: - Wednesday 24 March 2004
Time: - 19:00 For 19:30
Venue: - The River Room, Crown Towers, Melbourne
Tickets: - AUD110.00
Dress Code: - Jacket & Tie

The Official Dinner is an important part of the Congress. Enjoy fine food and wines and be entertained throughout this spectacular evening.

Accommodation Information

ICMS Travel, as the official housing bureau for the Congress, has been able to secure discounted accommodation rates at selected hotels. Reservations need to be made before Friday 13 February 2004. The room rates are per night and do not include breakfast.. Accommodation will be allocated in order of receipt of bookings and payment. Each delegate should complete a separate accommodation form, a clear photocopy of the form is acceptable.

ARRIVAL TIME
Please indicate on your registration form your estimated time of arrival to the hotel. Check in time is usually between 13:00 to 15:00. Should you wish to guarantee your room is ready before the hotel check-in time it is recommended that you book and pay for the room for the evening prior to your arrival. Failure to advise your arrival time may mean that your room will be released.

DEPOSIT
To secure your reservation a deposit equivalent to one night's room tariff is required. If paying by credit card, your details will be passed onto the hotel as a guarantee. The hotel may not initially deduct a deposit payment form you credit card but may charge you full payment at the time of check-out. Bookings cannot be made until ICMS Travel receives your payment or credit card details. Room rates are in Australian Dollars and include the Australian Goods and Services Tax (GST).

PAYMENT
The Congress Secretariat can accept the following methods of payment:

Cheque/Money Order/Bank Draft
Please make payable to ICMS Travel Trust.

Overseas delegates
Personal cheques will not be accepted and will be returned to sender.

Telegraphic Transfers
Telegraphic transfers will be accepted, free of fees, to the account listed below. To ensure prompt reconciliation please send a copy of the transfer record to the Congress Secretariat.

SWIFT Code: - ANZBAU3M
BSB No: - 013 435
Account No: - 3103 44706
Account Name: - ICMS Travel Trust
Bank: - Australian and New Zealand Banking Group Limited
Address: - 307 Clarendon Street, South Melbourne VIC 3205

Credit Card
All major credit cards are accepted: American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa.

Change of Booking
Alterations to your accommodation booking will not be accepted over the telephone. Alterations must be in writing via:
1. E-mail: registration@icms.com.au
2. Fax: +61 3 9682 0288
3. Post: XVIIth International Congress on Fibrinolysis and Proteolysis, C/- 84 Queensbridge Street, Southbank Victoria 3006, Australia

Please note the Congress Secretariat cannot accept new accommodation bookings or amendments to existing accommodation bookings after Friday 13 February 2004. Accommodation amendments after Friday 13 February 2004 will need to be forwarded directly to the hotel.

CANCELLATION OF BOOKING
Cancellations must be advised in writing to the Congress Secretariat. The deposit will be forfeited for all cancellations received after Friday 13 February 2004, or if the room is not occupied on the advised date of arrival.

Hotels

CROWN TOWERS - 5 star

8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, VIC, 3006

Deluxe Room - AUD299.00
Executive Suite - AUD440.00

Crown Towers offers luxurious guestrooms. Every room features spa bath, fax machine, personal safe and complimentary access to the 25m heated pool and gymnasium.

CROWN PROMENADE HOTEL - 4 star

8 Whiteman Street, Southbank, VIC, 3006

Standard Room - AUD199.00
Studios - AUD330.00

The newly opened Crown Promenade Hotel, adjacent to Crown Towers, boasts two outdoor terraces, 25-metre pool with sweeping views of the city skyline, spa, gymnasium, steam and sauna facilities. The Tonic Bar beckons guests to relax in plush seating while mingling or enjoying the panoramic view of Melbourne. Every guestroom features an ottoman window seat allowing guests to relax and take in the pleasures of Melbourne's surroundings.

HOLIDAY INN MELBOURNE - 4 star

Corner Flinders & Spencer Streets, Melbourne, VIC, 3005

Standard Room - AUD195.00

Located on the banks of the Yarra River, adjacent to The Melbourne Convention Centre and just a short stroll to the central business district, Southgate and the Melbourne Aquarium, the hotel is ideally positioned to provide the best Melbourne has to offer. Hotel facilities include "Lobby Bar", Heated swimming pool, Gym, Valet Parking, Concierge and serviced Business Centre.

HOTEL ENTERPRIZE - 3 star

44 Spencer Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000

Business Room - AUD120.00

Situated across from the Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex, Telstra Dome and Melbourne Convention Centre, Hotel Enterprize is a recently refurbished Three Star Hotel, in the CBD. Rooms offer ensuites with excellent appointments, air conditioning, heating, mini bar, TV, free in-house movies and tea/coffee facilities, while there is an excellent restaurant and bar for entertaining.

RIVERSIDE/HIGHLANDER APARTMENTS - 4 star

474 Flinders Street, Melbourne, VIC, 3000

Riverside One Bedroom - AUD187.00
Riverside Two Bedroom - AUD240.00
Highlander One Bedroom - AUD150.00

Riverside and Highlander Apartments are situated on the top 4 floors of a modern 18 storey building. The apartments feature panoramic views of the Yarra River, Port Philip Bay and the City Skyline. All apartments are self contained with fully equipped kitchens, laundry facilities and a very spacious lounge/dining area.

BUDGET ACCOMMODATION
Below are some suggested options for budget style accommodation. Please contact the venue directly for bookings or further information.

Connection Travellers Hostel - mcth@bigpond.com
Hotel Y - hotely@ywca.net
Kingsgate Budget Hotel - res@kingsgatehotel.com.au

General Information

ARRIVING IN MELBOURNE
Melbourne International Airport is located 22km north west of the city - approximately 30 minutes drive via the Citylink freeway.

Transfers to the city from the airport are easily accessed. Taxis are available outside the terminal at ground floor level at a cost of approximately AUD40.00. Alternatively, SkyBus operates an airport to city and return shuttle bus service. A one-way fare is AUD13.00 per person at the time of printing. Buses depart at regular intervals and drop off or pick up at various points in the city.

CAR PARKING
The Melbourne Convention Centre operates an on-site car park with 690 undercover parking spaces, managed by Wilsons Car Parking. The entrance to the multi-storey car park is located off Siddley Street. It is open 24 hours, 7 days a week with the following charges being current at the time of printing:
Early Bird - AUD8.00 (in before 10:00 out by 06:00 next day)
First Hour - AUD5.50
Maximum Charge - AUD20.00

CLIMATE
March is Autumn in Melbourne and you can expect mild weather. As a guide, the average day temperature in Autumn is 20OC (68 OF). However, evening temperatures could be as low as 12 degrees OC (54 degrees OFF).

CONGRESS VENUE
The Melbourne Convention Centre is conveniently located in the heart of the city within walking distance of the city hotels and is well serviced by public transport.

Address:
Cnr Spencer and Flinders Streets
Melbourne VIC 3005

ELECTRICITY
The electricity supply is 240 volts, 50 Hz. The connection for appliances is a flat 3-pin plug. Most city hotels provide 110 volts for shavers.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All visitors to Australia need a valid passport and Visa. Applications for Visas can be made through Australian Embassies or Consulates in major cities around the world or in some cases through your travel agent. Ask for a business Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) for Australia. For information about Australian missions overseas, how to apply for visas and further information on ETA's, Customs clearance, Quarantine regulations, health issues, arrival and departure and more, contact the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs - www.immi.gov.au. Please action early.

FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Please indicate on your registration form if you require disabled facilities.

HEALTH
Vaccinations and health certificates are not required for entry into Australia unless you have visited a yellow-fever infected country zone within six days prior to your arrival.

Australia has a high standard of hygiene. Doctors and dentists are highly trained and hospitals are well equipped. In the event of illness hotel or Congress staff can arrange a doctor for you.

INSURANCE
It is strongly recommended that delegates take out adequate medical, travel and personal insurance prior to the commencement of travel.

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER
In the event of industrial disruption or other unforeseen circumstances, the Congress Organisers accept no responsibility for loss of monies incurred by delegates.

MONEY
Credit cards are widely accepted. Commonly recognised cards include American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa. All are accepted for Congress transactions. Australia uses decimal currency, where a hundred cents makes up a dollar. A combination of notes and coins are used.

The Australian Dollar exchange rate is likely to remain favourable and stable for visitors, ensuring an affordable stay for delegates.

NO SMOKING POLICY
Delegates should be aware that smoking is banned in public buildings and many hotels and restaurants throughout Australia, including the Congress venue.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
The official language of the Congress will be English. Simultaneous translation will not be provided.

PUBLICATION OF PROCEEDINGS
The ISFP retains the right to publish all material presented at the Congress in an ISFP publication.

TIME ZONES
During the time of the Congress, Melbourne operates on Australian Eastern Summer Time (AEST), which is calculated by adding 11 hours to GMT.

Tour Information

Tours offered will operate subject to a minimum number of participants In the unlikely event this minimum is not reached a full refund will be made. Conversely certain tours may have limited space only so we recommend you book early.

MELBOURNE AN ORIENTATION

Date: Monday 22 & Wednesday 24 March 2004
Cost: Adult AUD71.00; Child 2-12yrs AUD41.00
Departs: 09:00
Returns: 12:15

This morning orientation takes in the blend of heritage architecture, modern skyscrapers and contemporary designs which shape the city, including vibrant cafes, cosmopolitan restaurants, colourful parklands, picturesque waterways, shopping strips the markets and gardens. The legendary river boat cruise on the Yarra will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the morning.

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTER & YARRA VALLEY

and incorporating the "Puffing Billy" Steam Train

Date: Sunday 21 March 2004
Cost: Adult AUD131.00; Child 2-12yrs AUD65.00; Lunch is included in tour cost
Departs: 08:00
Returns: 17:30

Experience The Dandenong Ranges beauty where you will see lush ferns, dense forests and an array of birdlife. Chug through the lush bush country aboard the "Puffing Billy" steam train. Later in the morning arrive in the Yarra Valley - Victoria's premier wine region where we will stop for lunch and have the opportunity to sample local wines. The afternoon will be spent at Healesville Wildlife Sanctuary - a chance to get-up-close-and-friendly with koalas, kangaroos and other Australian wildlife and birdlife.

PHILLIP ISLAND'S PENGUINS

Date: Sunday 21 & Thursday 25 March 2004
Cost: Adult AUD106.00; Child 2-12yrs AUD53.00
Departs: 13:30
Returns: 22:30

On the way to Philip Island the coach will stop by a working cattle farm to spot kangaroos and a host of other farm animals. The next stop will be to visit a koala sanctuary and then to watch some fur seals, before the dusk spectacle of hundreds of penguins emerging from the ocean. A dinner stop is scheduled (dinner own cost) before returning to Melbourne. We recommend comfortable clothing and good walking shoes. A warm jacket will be required for the evening.

GREAT OCEAN ROAD

An Adventure

Date: Friday 26 March 2004
Cost: Adult AUD114.00; Child 2-12yrs AUD60.00
Departs: 08:00
Returns: 21:30

This is surely one of the world's most spectacular coastal roadways - the scenery is dramatic and the day brings you powerful seas, golden beaches, peaceful townships, giant cliffs and lush forests. It's a full day of exciting
contrast. There are frequent stops including time to wander the streets of one, or more, of the sleepy seaside towns or explore the beaches. One of the stops provides a traditional Aussie morning tea - billy tea, lamingtons and vegemite crackers! The pinnacle of the day is the towering limestone cliffs and fascinating Twelve Apostles rising in stacks from the ocean. An awesome sight. On the return journey there is a dinner stop (own expense) in one of the country towns.

HOW TO BOOK A TOUR
Please complete the enclosed tour form and fax or post with accompanying payment to Australia - Events. Alternatively you can e-mail your tour request to mail@congress-events.com.au.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS
Cancellations received before Friday 27 February 2004 will be refunded less an administrative fee of AUD25.00 per booking. After Friday 27 February 2004 tour payments will be non-refundable although name substitutions will be acceptable.