ARNHEM, The Netherlands, February 14 /PRNewswire/ -- The 23rd Annual Congress of the European Association of Urology will be held from 26-29 March 2008 in Milan, Italy. About 12,000 participants from some 100 different countries are expected to attend, which makes this event the second largest of its kind worldwide. And as media representative you cannot miss out. Why not? Please read on.

Scientific content

The EAU is a leading and dynamic force in urology. It is the same dynamism and expertise that are the hallmarks of a high calibre and carefully arranged scientific programme. Thorough discussions and critical evaluations of the latest advancements in urology, for instance the use of biomarkers and medical treatment of bladder and renal cell cancer, are amongst the key features of the scientific programme. Twelve EAU superspecialisation sections, such as the European Society for Uro-Technology (ESUT) and the European Society for Oncological Urology (ESOU), will organise focused sessions in Milan and no less than 35 post-graduate training courses will be organised by the European School of Urology during the congress. These courses are generally fully booked; testimony to how much they are valued by the participants.

Urology has always been a worldwide operating specialty and numerous international collaborations have been ongoing for many years. The desire to improve healthcare and deliver the best patient care possible is shared by clinicians all over the world. The EAU support and promote international initiatives by organising meetings jointly with, for instance, the Chinese Urological Association, the Arab Association of Urology and the Urological Society of India. And also with the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ESTRO).

European Association of Urology Nurses

The European Association of Urology Nurses (EAUN) will be organising its 9th annual meeting during the 23rd Annual EAU Congress. The aim of the EAUN is strongly linked to that of the EAU: to improve patient care by continually upgrading the nursing skills of its members. The EAUN have set up a full programme comprising of state-of-the-art lectures, symposia on various topics, discussions on clinical practices and visits to a Milan Hospital.

Journalists only

For members of the media, we have even more to offer. The official EAU press conference will be held on Wednesday 26 March and will include:

Highlights at a glance - a scientific road map of the EAU Congress (Prof. Walter Artibani)

Molecular therapy in urologic oncology (Prof. Manfred Wirth)

Biomarkers - future diagnostic approach in patients with Renal Cell Cancer and Bladder Cancer (Prof. Peter Mulders)

Nosocomial infections - recent data from the GPIU study (Prof. Bjerklund Johansen)

Exciting new network training initiatives as a new EAU initiative (Prof. Chris Chapple)

Immediately after the EAU press conference there will be a welcome reception for all media representatives to which you are cordially invited.

New are the Meet the Expert sessions; press meetings with key lecturers in the press centre. Two sessions with two speakers each will be organised:

Session I: Prevention and early assessment of infectious diseases session, with Profs Sandra Mazzoli (IT) and Bjerklund Johansen (DE) and

Session II: Oncology, with Profs Cora Sternberg (IT) and Jan-Erik Damber (SE).

Please contact the Communication Officer if you wish to participate.

Furthermore, we have a fully equipped press centre at your disposal. You will receive a press pack, including an abstract CD-Rom. Should you require assistance in arranging on-site interviews with experts in the field, please let us know.

Congress venue

The congress venue is the Milano Convention Centre (MIC).

For more information, please visit:

The congress website: http://www.eaumilan2008.org

The website for urological information: http://www.urosource.com

The EAU website: http://www.uroweb.org

Contact: Lindy Brouwer, EAU Communication Officer, Email: l.brouwer@uroweb.org, Tel: +31-26-3890-680