From the Editor

The World Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, to be held in Sydney, Australia (www.wc2003.org) is a unique opportunity to meet colleagues from all over the world. As a result, I understand that many IFMBE members are already making plans for the journey to Sydney. A call for Abstracts and/or Papers has been published at the WC web site, and the information on the preliminary program is also available. Please be aware of the extended deadline for abstract/paper submissions - March 24, 2003!

National BME Societies should also be aware that the process of collecting the applications for the organisation of the World Congress on Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, to be held in 2009 is now over. Visit the IUPESM website (www.iupesm.org) for detailed information on the Selection Procedures. Also, please note that there will be a discussion on the new IUPESM logo to be organised in Sydney during the World Congress.

This issue of the IFMBE News is dedicated to ICMBE and EMBEC Young Investigators Competition Winners; young scientists in BME from all over the world who presented their research at these two major scientific events in 2002. I am very proud that this talented and enthusiastic group of young researchers responded to my call to present their research activities to the IFMBE members through the Federation's electronic newsletter. I have no doubt that many of our young colleagues from this group will become leaders in scientific research in biomedical engineering in the coming decades. Allow me to congratulate them once more for their scientific achievements!

There were also some questions on what the IFMBE stands for and how to become a member of the IFMBE. Individuals interested in IFMBE membership should contact their national BME society. A list of IFMBE affiliated societies can be found at the IFMBE web site, www.ifmbe.org under "Membership Information" where the contact information of each society can be found. You can also find detailed information on the Federation under "What it is and what it does". The IFMBE is looking forward to new members from the BME community!

Ratko Magjarevic ratko.magjarevic@fer.hr