Welcome Message by the President of the Congress

Dear ISEM Member,

I am very pleased and honored to invite you to Genoa for the 16th Congress of the International Society for Experimental Microsurgery (ISEM), which will be held from 22nd to 24th June 2023.

On the Gulf of Genoa in the Ligurian Sea, Genoa has historically been one of the most important ports on the Mediterranean. Genoa was the capital of one of the most powerful maritime republics for over seven centuries, from the 11th century to 1797. It was also nicknamed la Superba (“The Proud One”) by Petrarch due to its glories on the seas and impressive landmarks. The historical center, also known as old town, of Genoa is one of the largest and most-densely populated in Europe. Part of it was also inscribed on the World Heritage List (UNESCO) in 2006 as Genoa: Le Strade Nuove and the system of the Palazzi dei Rolli. Genoa’s historical city centre is also known for its narrow lanes and streets that the locals call “caruggi”. Genoa is also home to the University of Genoa, which has a history going back to the 15th century, when it was known as Genuense Athenaeum. The city’s rich cultural history in art, music and cuisine allowed it to become the 2004 European Capital of Culture. The city also hosts the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), which was established in 2003 jointly by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research and the Italian Minister of Economy and Finance, to promote excellence in basic and applied research. The main fields of research of the Institute are Neuroscience, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Drug discovery.

Our Society is mainly devoted to experimental and clinical researches mainly focused on microsurgery and we all well know that “Experiment is the sole judge of scientific truth” (Richard P. Feynman). The topics will include New advances in lymphology and lymphatic microsurgery, Newly developed experimental models, Bioengineering and regenerative medicine, Advances in organ and tissue transplantations, Genetic and molecular processes, Technological biomedical innovations, Simulation systems, Nanomaterials, Robotic microsurgery, New technologies in general surgery and surgical specialties, Clinical and translational microsurgery, Training and education in microsurgery, Lymphedema patient associations in Europe and in the World.

Together with the Scientific Committee, I will work to organize a scientific program rich of novelties, multidisciplinary contributions, debates between renowned experts and participants coming from all over the world, dynamic and interactive sessions, giving to the youngest researchers an opportunity to actively participate in the heart of the congress, presenting their own contributions and draw inspirations for their daily scientific activities. Our effort will be focused to put specialists from different surgical and medical disciplines together because we are firmly convinced that it is through the interdisciplinary collaboration that the highest peaks can be reached.

Joining the 16th ISEM Congress you will have the opportunity to enjoy our city as well and there will be also wonderful convivial occasions to be all together and share moments of relaxation and harmony.

Looking forward to meeting plenty of you in Genoa.

Francesco Boccardo
President of the Congress