Welcome Message

We are delighted to invite you to attend the International Congress of Biological Psychiatry to take place in one of the world's most beautiful cities: Sydney, Australia, from 9 - 13 February 2004.

Traditionally the Federation has an excellent track record in hosting scientific Congresses. The 7^th World Congress that was held in Berlin 2001 attracted 6,000 delegates and reached an outstanding scientific level, which sets our International Scientific Programme Committee a high standard to follow. Whilst the 7^th World Congress in Berlin was dedicated more to the research side of Biological Psychiatry, the International Congress in Sydney 2004 will place a greater focus on the Clinical aspects.

Complementing the scientific programme will be a series of social events that will showcase a taste of Australia with magical locations such as the Sydney Opera House and the beautiful sites around Darling Harbour. For delegates who wish to explore other parts of the varied continent, Sydney is well placed as a starting point for trips to the Red Centre, Metropolitan Melbourne and the amazing west. A Pre Congress Satellite Meeting over two days will take place in Cairns, Tropical North Queensland enabling delegates to experience a unique place close to the Great Barrier Reef and on the border of the magnificent Daintree Rainforest.

We have received over 160 proposals for Symposia and now invite you to submit your abstract for an oral or poster presentation for Sydney. Details are available on the Congress website.

We very much hope that you will come and share your practice and experience in Biological Psychiatry at the International Congress of Biological Psychiatry in February 2004 and enjoy an Australian Summer in Sydney.

Carlos Roberto Hojaij, Australia - President of the World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry

Graham Burrows AO KCSJ, Australia - Chairman of the Local Organising Committee