On behalf of the Local Organising and Scientific Committees, it is with great pleasure that we announce the 44th Congress of the International Society of Paediatric Oncology, which will take place in London, 5-8 October 2012.

After the excitement of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, London will once again be the focus of the world’s attention. Two thousand children’s cancer specialists, representing every continent, will be converging on the Barbican Centre in the heart of the City of London to network and share knowledge on the research and treatment of all cancer types, including leukaemia and brain tumours, in children and young people.

As the largest annual paediatric cancer meeting in the world, SIOP Congresses are designed to provide a highly interactive platform. In so doing, they attract a multi-stakeholder attendance connecting parents, survivors, clinicians, healthcare professionals, scientists and industry.

Paediatric oncologists are early adopters of new technology and keenly interested in advances in this key aspect of their professional work. Symposia focused on technologies which hold the promise for more effective work practices and better patient outcomes are an attractive part of the Congress.

In addition to plenary sessions, which are open to all delegates, there will be associated meetings for paediatric surgeons, radiation specialists, haematologists and specialist nurses involved in both hospital and community based stages of the cancer pathway.

We look forward to warmly welcoming you to London and to marking the next SIOP milestone towards ultimately combating cancer in children.

Kathy Pritchard-Jones (UK) Congress Chair

Mark Gaze (UK) Congress Co-Chair

Rob Pieters (NL) Scientific Committee Chair