Welcome

Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I have the pleasure of inviting you to participate in the 69th Congress of the Italian Physiological Society that will be held in Florence on 19-21 September 2018.

The meeting, sponsored by the University of Florence and Banca CR Firenze (Intesa Sanpaolo Group), will start in the Aula Magna of the University of Florence (Piazza San Marco, 4) and will be then located in the Conference Center of Convitto della Calza (Piazza della Calza, 6). Convitto della Calza is a charming location near Porta Romana, in the heart of “Diladdarno”, the area of Florence on the southern side of the Arno river that Lonely Planet has recently defined as one of the ten “coolest neighbourhoods in the world”. 'A city within the city', it is characterized by noteworthy art, craftsmanship and commerce; to walk along the streets of this ancient quarter —experiencing its unforgettable markets and craft shops— provides the opportunity to truly get to know and love Florence.

The scientific program will be stimulating and will be highlighted by the participation of distinguished scientists, by plenary lectures, symposia and workshops. The involvement of young physiologists will be strongly promoted.

A satellite symposium on "Novel optics-based approaches for cardiac electrophysiology" sponsored by the European Society of Cardiology will be held in Arcetri in the afternoon of 21 September and in the morning of 22 September. The symposium can be freely attended by the SIF Congress participants.

I hope for your enthusiastic participation and wish you to enjoy the scientific programme and a pleasant stay in a wonderful city.

Welcome to Florence!

Corrado Poggesi
Congress Chair