Dear colleagues, dear friends,

The Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly changed the world since the outbreak in March 2020, but it now seems that humanity has started taking the way back to normalcy

Since its postponement from July 2020, now, filled with optimism and hope, and while receiving encouraging results in vaccination and treatment, I am delighted to announce that the 19th International Congress on Behcet’s Disease, will take place in Athens from the 6th till the 8th of July 2022, organized by our International Society.

Our aim is to provide an in-person attendance event, but considering the overall situation and to avoid further surprises, we have already prepared a hybrid mode event with additional virtual sessions except the main scientific program, allowing over 1000 delegates and attendees, not able to physically attend the event, to follow and participate in the Congress remotely. As organizers, we are doing our best to ensure that this will be done under the conditions desired by ISBD and in accordance with the health protocols in force at that time.

The Conference, which is the major educational and scientific event on Behçet’s disease, will provide high quality contributions on a wide range of topics including clinical practice and innovations as well as basic and translational science. Young physicians will have the opportunity to obtain inspiration and experience from renowned experts. The participants will address symptoms, side effects, treatments, and current research efforts in the field.

Athens is the home of democracy, philosophy, and theater. The historic center of Athens, where the venue of ICBD 2022 is located, is an open-air museum, yet the city’s cultural and social life takes place amid these ancient landmarks, merging past and present. Most importantly, its welcoming and hospitable culture and people make every visitor feel at home.

Accessibility is key in Athens with the multi-awarded Athens International Airport (AIA) “Eleftherios Venizelos”, one of the fastest-growing airports globally. In addition, the transportation network, including Metro, Bus, Tram, Train, Trolleybus, and expansive highways, allows for an easy and quick transportation to every part of the city. Easily accessible from Piraeus port are numerous islands, one of the most popular summer holiday destinations for tourists all around the world. It is a unique opportunity for delegates to combine intensive days of state-of the-art scientific lectures in the hometown of one of the most important ancient civilizations with an unforgettable holiday in the breathtaking Greek archipelago.

For further information you can visit our website www.behcet2022athens.com which will constantly be kept updated with information regarding the 19th Conference.

On behalf of the International Society for Behçet’s Disease and the Local Organizing Committee I look forward to welcoming you in Athens in July 2022.

Petros P. Sfikakis, MD

Professor of Internal Medicine & Rheumatology, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School President of the 19th International Conference on Behçet’s Disease