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WFSBP 2015
Dear Colleagues,
It is our privilege and special pleasure to welcome you to the 12th World Congress of Biological Psy
chiatry. The World Federation of Societies of Biological Psychiatry (WFSBP) has chosen Athens for its
World Congress in June 14th –18th 2015; therefore, the hosting society (Hellenic Society for the
Advancement of Psychiatry and Related Sciences) is very thankful.
Today, it is easy to envision a future where psychiatric diagnosis will be based on understanding funda
mental defects in thinking, emotional processing, and motivational systems. Psychiatry is now well
positioned to take advantage of the major advances achieved in the last few decades in neurobiology
and cognitive sciences and to build on them. WFSBP with its unique complementarity between basic
neuroscientists and clinical psychiatrists, coming from various cultural and geographical backgrounds, is
an important tool for the future of psychiatry.
During the 12th World Congress of Biological Psychiatry, worldwide opinion leaders will share with us
the recent innovations in their respective fields which impact on diagnosis, treatment and quality of life
of our patients. High scientific level sessions have been organized: plenary lectures, symposia, interactive
workshops and debates, while a good number of WFSBP Task Forces will actively participate in the
scientific programme through the presentation of Treatment Guidelines they currently publish. Also,
young scientists will present their recent findings through free communications and posters presentations.
Moreover, the scientific programme of the present congress includes certain novel components such as
a round table on the topic “Drug discovery in neuroscience: Why is big pharma reluctanct to continue
investing?”, and three educational sessions on basic research issues, pharmacological treatments, and
brain stimulation methods.
We are looking forward to welcome you in Athens, the heart of European culture and civilization, and
to receive you according to the traditional Greek hospitality. Finally, we wish you a joyous and fruitful
congress participation and hope that you will take home unforgettable memories and inspiration for
your research and everyday clinical practice.
Thank you for joining us!
Prof. Constantin R. Soldatos
Prof. Florence Thibaut
Congress President and
Chair of the International
Chair of the Local Organizing Committee
Scientific Programme Committee
Invitation to the 12th World Congress of Biological Psychiatry
Florence Thibaut
Constantin R.
Soldatos