It is my privilege as current President of ISSTDR to invite you to join us in London in the summer of 2009 to participate in ISSTDR 2009. ISSTDR was formed in 1977 to strengthen research in sexually transmitted infections. The meetings have been held regularly over the last 30 years, mostly every two years, and have become the most important forum for presentation and discussion of recent findings in this field.

The most successful aspect of these meetings has been their ability to attract healthcare scientists from a range of disciplines including clinicians, epidemiologists, microbiologists, and social scientists and to promote networking.

ISSTDR has always encouraged young scientists in the field and this will be a particular focus for our meeting.

ISSTDR 2009 in London will be co-organised with BASHH (British Association of Sexual Health and HIV). BASHH is the leading organisation for professionals working in the fields of STIs and HIV in the UK. It delivers education, training and sets and maintains clinical standards.Together we will strive to provide a stimulating and memorable scientific and social environment in the tradition of previous successful meetings. Anne Johnson, my co-chair, and Immy Ahmed, the President of BASHH, and I encourage you to join us and to actively participate by submitting your most recent work for presentation.

We look forward to meeting you all in London.

	Immy Ahmed BASHH President	Anne Johnson Co chair