Over a decade ago Prof. J.-F. Bach launched the Journal of Autoimmunity in Paris. Since then the Journal has become one of the most important forums for publication in the field of autoimmunity. In parallel, Prof. J.-F. Bach organized the First International Congress of Autoimmunity in Paris followed by the 2nd International Congress of Autoimmunity in Tel Aviv, Israel, in March 1999 attended by 800 participants.

Several publications emerged from this Congress including a special issue of J. Autoimmunity, summarizing some of the highlights (J. Autoimmunity; 13: 1-178: 1999), as well as the book "The Decade of Autoimmunity" (Ed: Y. Shoenfeld, Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands). Another publication was a special issue of Rev. Allergy and Clinical Immunology (1.1.2000).

Following the extraordinary success of the Tel Aviv Congress we are launching a series of International Congresses of Autoimmunity. The next one will take place in February 20-24, 2002 in Geneva, Switzerland (The one following will take place in March 2005 in Jerusalem, to be followed in 2008 in San Francisco).

As you can see from the list of topics in this brochure, similarly to the previous Congress, we will discuss, cover and detail almost all facts of autoimmunity. In addition to the novel aspects of autoimmunity, the renowned local committee, joined by the knowledge of the international committee assures the high standards of the meeting.

We hope to see you in Geneva and are eager to listen to your presentations.

Yours sincerely,