Bridging Meetings The initiative started in 1998 by Prof. Dr. Peter Malfertheiner and its first meeting was held in Magdeburg, Germany. The aim of the European Bridging Meeting is to set up a forum for young clinical investigators from Eastern and Western European countries, where results of their ongoing and completed researches are being presented. Professors (academic teachers) from universities and academic institutions from European countries along with 2 to 3 fellows present their original research work and discuss important developments in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. Besides the presentations of research and updates and the promotion of young dedicated researchers, the event offers the opportunity to start fruitful interactions between individuals and their academic institutions. The structure of the meeting is as follows: The two and a half day event starts off with young investigators delivering their oral or poster form presentations with interactive discussions guided and moderated by the academic and clinical teachers. The scientific programs are completed by key note lectures and round table discussions on hot topics in Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 3 awards are given to the posters voted best in the area of Upper GI, Lower GI, Pancreas, Liver and Hepatobiliary System. The final day and conclusion of the meeting is the EAGE postgraduate course with lectures by international teachers of worldwide recognition within this field, giving updates on diagnostic and therapeutic management of selected Gastrointestinal and Hepatic diseases. The number of participants is based on first come - first serve basis, with a maximum of 120. The call for presentations of original research starts in May with a deadline at the end of September. The final program is available two weeks prior to the Bridging Meeting. An EAGE postgraduate course follows the Bridging Meeting and is open to all participants as well as local Gastroenterologists. Accommodation and meals are provided by the EAGE with unrestricted grants from industrial sponsorship. Besides its location of origin (Magdeburg, Germany), the European Bridging Meeting has "migrated" to several European countries: 1998 Sweden, Goeteburg Prof. Lars Lundell 1999 Hungary, Budapest Prof. Zsolt Tulasay 2000 Lithuania, Kaunas Prof. Kupcincas 2001 Italy, Napoli Prof. Nardone 2002 Romania, Turgu Mures Prof. Bataga 2003 Germany, Magdeburg Prof. Malfertheiner 2004 Germany, Magdeburg Prof. Malfertheiner 2005 Serbia, Belgrad Prof. Milosavjevic 2006 Germany, Magdeburg Prof. Malfertheiner 2007 Germany, Magdeburg Prof. Malfertheiner 2008 Germany, Magdeburg Prof. Malfertheiner 2009 Germany, Magdeburg Prof. Malfertheiner 2010 Germany, Berlin Prof. Malfertheiner Bridging Meeting Webseite The 2011 Bridging Meeting followed by EAGE postgraduate course will be held in, Germany on November 10–12, 2011. Prof. Dr. med. P. Malfertheiner Direktor der Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Infektiologie Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Leipziger Str. 44 39120 Magdeburg t: 0391-67 13 100 f: 0391-67 13 105 www.med.uni-magdeburg.de/kghi.html