The European Society of Paediatric Haematology and Immunology (ESPHI) takes pleasure in announcing that Pediatric Research has become its Official Society Journal. We wish to express our special thanks for mediating the association to Drs. George Lister, Richard B. Johnston, Jr., Dennis M. Bier, Hugo Lagercrantz, Peter Temesvari, and Laszlo Marodi.

The history of ESPHI goes back for 30 years when medical sciences in Europe started to recover from the aftermath of the Second World War and strived to develop a profile of their own. Originally a part of the European Society for Pediatric Research, it very soon developed into an independent society in its own right. Names of the most eminent pediatricians of their time are connected with the foundation of ESPHI including: Drs. Betke, Fanconi, Hitzig, Hungerland, Kleihauer, Massimo, Rossi, and Zetterström, to name just a few.

The goals of ESPHI are to promote scientific research and its clinical application in pediatric hematology and immunology. Encompassing both hematology and immunology, with pseudopods into pediatric oncology, is the unique charm of the Society. ESPHI is presently expanding with new members in the United States, Canada, South Africa and developing countries. Engagement in developing countries not only opens up new fields of research but also is an expression of our sense of responsibility towards the underprivileged children living in these countries.

The ESPHI has, at present, 10 working groups where part of its scientific work is concentrated. These include groups in Diamond-Blackfan Anemia, Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Congenital and Acquired Hemolytic Anemias, Thrombocytopenias, Chronic Neutropenias, Neonatal Immunology, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Developing Countries, Human Milk, and Fanconi's Anemia. Additional groups are in statu nascendi. Bi-annual workshops are held where the chairmen of all groups convene. The next meeting will be in Italy, November 13-15, 1998, organized by the Secretary of ESPHI, Dr. G. Mori (Gaslini Children's Hospital, Genova, Italy, fax: (39-10) 377 6590).

ESPHI has its main scientific congress bi-annually, alternating with the workshops. The next congress will be in association with other eminent pediatric societies from Europe and the Americas. For the first time in its history ESPHI is venturing to hold a congress on American soil addressing in particular our colleagues in the Americas. United States host is Dr. Joseph A. Bellanti, Director of the Immunology Center of Georgetown Medical School in Washington, D.C. The Congress will convene May 13-15, 1999, in Washington DC with two pre-congress days. ESPHI will be pleased to welcome readers of Pediatric Research in Washington and receive abstracts (deadline: January 1st, 1999). For further information contact, in Europe: Dr. G. Prindull, Göttingen, Germany fax: (49-551) 39 6252 and in the Americas: Ms. Jacqueline Roberts, International Research Consultants, Bethesda MD, fax: (301) 320-4688.