The Hellenic Neurological Society has the great honour to invite you to participate in the 9th Congress of the European Federation of Neurological Societies, which will be held in Athens - Congress Center OMMA of Megaron - Athens Concert Hall, September 17-20, 2005.

The Hellenic Neurological Society being corporated in the Hellenic Society of Neurology and Psychiatry was established in 1936. In 1987 when the medical specialisation was divided it moved to its present form. It has around 850 members by now, certified neurologists and neurologists in training.

Greece is a European country with a high reputation of hospitality, where scientific and artistic contemporary thought has its roots. Medicine as a science took its first steps in this place of the world; A fact of important significance for the participants and attendants of this Congress.

Athens, the capital of Greece, is the birthplace of democracy, representing the place where the first steps were taken towards improving life standards and granting human rights. It has been traditionally a major congress site since the 5th century B.C. when the Athenians gathered in the Ancient Agora and debated on democracy, strategic purposes, commerce, philosophy and the sciences. Since then Athens has established itself as a prime international conference location, being a metropolis with modern facilities combined with ancient monuments, byzantine churches, neoclassical buildings, museums, ancient theatres and modern opera houses.

Athens - centrally located in Greece - also has easy access to the Aegian, Ionian Sea and Saronic Gulf with their famous islands, scattered over the deep blue waters. A fusion of stone, sunlight and sparkling sea, embellished with small white washed houses, along with their ancient heritage and Greek hospitality are basic features of the charm they posess. The participants will have the opportunity to enjoy pre and post Congress excursions to the unique Greek islands.

The Congress programme has been carefully selected to cover clinical as well as basic neurology through 9 main topics, 17 focused workshops and teaching courses. Platform and poster sessions will give the opportunity to every partcipating country to present the most interesting and updated information on neurology.

Our city will offer you the mixture of the old and the new, creating an atmosphere of antithesis, which captivates the visitor. Cultural events and festivals offerig open-air ancient dramas and comedies, classical dance, concerts set in both ancient and modern theatres will give you a chance to enjoy Athen's thriving city life.

One year before the EFNS Congress, the return of the Olympic Games to Greece in 2004, the country that gave them birth, gives Athens a new spirit.

We are looking forward to seeing you in Athens. The Hellenic Neurological Society and I personally will be happy if you accept our invitation to share in the magic atmosphere of our country. We are sure that EFNS 2005, held in the shadow of the Acropolis will be an exciting scientific and cultural event.

Panagiota Davaki
President of the Local Arrangements Committee