Welcome

We cordially invite you to participate the 30th International Herpesvirus Workshop (IHW), which is held in Turku, Finland, July 30-August 5, 2005. IHW 2005 is organized by a Nordic/Scandinavian Local Organizing Committee. This IHW is the premier scientific meeting for herpesvirus researchers from around the world, with an interdisciplinary focus on all major subfamilies of herpesviruses and all aspects of herpesvirus research. The sessions represent the wide spectrum of herpesvirology, from molecular biology to pathogenesis and immunology, gene therapy and vaccines, in addition to clinical symposia.

The Workshop venue, Turku, is the oldest city in Finland and the home of three universities; Turku has had a university since 1640. Nearly 30,000 students attend the universities and polytechnic institutes in Turku creating a rich intellectual atmosphere in the city. The city has many hotels and fine restaurants as well as tourist attractions in close proximity, including Turku Castle and Turku Cathedral, both of which are over 700 years old. Turku celebrated its 775th anniversary in 2004. Turku is also well known for its location in a beautiful archipelago with a number of outdoor activities including fishing and sailing.

The time of the meeting, late July/early August, is the most pleasant season in Southwest Finland with mostly sunny weather, daylight beyond 10 PM and the sea water being at its warmest temperatures. The city has an international airport as well as frequent ferry service to Sweden and other destinations on the Baltic Sea. The attractions in Finland, in the Scandinavian countries and in St. Petersburg and Tallinn can be easily reached from Turku.

We look forward to seeing you in Turku,

Yours very sincerely,

Veijo Hukkanen University of Turku	Lars Haarr University of Bergen
Co-Chairs of the 30th International Herpesvirus Workshop