• This notice constitutes a call for nominations for the following Society Awards, and an invitation to attend the 2008 AGM. [PDF]

On behalf of the Melbourne Local Organising Committee and the Scientific and Conference Committee, we invite all healthcare professionals working in the field of respiratory science to the 2008 Annual Scientific Meeting of the ANZSRS.

The Local Organising Committee has chosen the broad theme of restriction of the lungs for this meeting. The Committee has worked hard to provide a balance for healthcare professionals working across the diverse roles and fields within respiratory science, including topics that cover clinical, research, ICU, paediatric and adult domains.

We welcome our many invited speakers including our overseas speaker, Professor Martin Tobin, and eminent local guest presenters Professor Andrew Bersten, Professor Simon Gandevia, Associate Professor Anne Holland, Dr David Berlowitz, Dr Chris Zappala, Dr Andrew Wilson, Dr Samantha Ellis and Professor Don Campbell. Their knowledge and expertise promise to provide us all with something new to take home from this meeting. In addition, we acknowledge the invited contribution of our own members - Mr Jeffrey Pretto, Mr Danny Brazzale and Mr Brenton Eckert.

With the help of the Scientific and Conference Committee, Monday's program continues to provide delegates with the opportunity to attend workshops in the CRFS credential, this year focussing on lung parenchyma, and aspects of clinical research including an introduction to biostatistics and workshop on writing a manuscript with Professor Tobin, former editor of the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine. Following the success of the combined ANZSRS/TSANZ physiology symposia in 2007, an afternoon masterclass in static lung volume measurement and symposium in paediatric lung function testing will complete the program.

We are grateful for the opportunity to interact with industry at the trade exhibition and encourage all to visit and seek out trade representatives to gain knowledge and advice on their products. We thank industry for the support they contribute to the meeting.

The social program for 2008 promises to deliver two memorable evenings, with the Welcome Reception at Melbourne Aquarium and the Conference Dinner at Studio 3, Crown. The LOC has decided to have a theme for the dinner for the first time and the chosen theme is 'wear a hat', so pack your favourite beanie, Stetson or fascinator.

We look forward to gathering with friends and colleagues and welcoming new delegates to our Annual Scientific Meeting in Melbourne 2008. So please join us and travel to cosmopolitan Melbourne to participate and share in what the meeting has to offer from Friday 28 to Monday 31 March 2008.

Brigitte Borg Chair, Local Organising Committee

Mike Brown Chair, Scientific and Conference Committee

GOLD

Welcome Reception

Medtechnica

DINNER