Dear colleagues and friends,
Albinism is a rare genetic condition which primarily affects vision. The visual impairments of people with albinism can be associated with problems with pigmentation. For an adequate multidisciplinary approach to albinism, several professional are required, including dermatologists, ophthalmologists, hematologists, neurologists and geneticists. The same holds true for research in albinism, where geneticists, cellular biologists, molecular biologists, biochemists and neuroscientists have to investigate in a cooperative manner.
The European Days of Albinism (EDA) are unique occasions for scientists and medical practitioners in charge of patients with albinism and involved in research on this condition to meet the European patients’ associations. The EDAs include scientific sessions, during which the latest advances in the field are presented and discussed, covering all aspects of the disease, from dermatology, to ophthalmology, genetics, cell biology and therapy. In parallel, the EDAs also hold a Meeting of the European Patients’ Associations. The EDAs traditionally end with a half day plenary session where delegates from the scientists and patients’ association groups share the summary of the topics that were discussed in their corresponding meetings.
After the first three extremely stimulating EDAs; held in Paris 2012, Valencia 2014 and Milan 2016, we are pleased to announce that the 4th EDA will take place at the Hurdal Vision and Activity Center, near Oslo, Norway, on March 8th-10th, 2018. The format has been extended to three days, which will leave two full days for the scientific meeting, thus allowing for more in-depth presentations and discussions of the new findings and developments in this complex field.
Another novelty is that the European patients’ associations have now formalized a Network of associations called Albinism Europe (www.albinism.eu). They rely on a scientific committee of thirteen members to both assist them with medical and scientific issues and to prepare the scientific program of the EDAs.
We are looking forward to seeing you in Norway for the 4th European Days of Albinism!
Lluis Montoliu and Benoît Arveiler, for the Scientific Committee of Albinism Europe
Dear Friends,
It is our pleasure, on behalf of NFFA – the Norwegian Albinism Association, to welcome you to Norway, for the 4th European Days of Albinism. We are very honored to be your hosts from March 7th to 11th 2018 in Hurdal, near Oslo for an event containing three parallel meetings: 1) a scientific conference with top experts of albinism coming from Europe and all over the world. 2) A working meeting of Albinism Europe, with patients’ leaders representing 10 different European albinism associations and 3) A gathering of over 30 young European adults with albinism (the 3rd YPA). It is certain to be a great opportunity for all participants to learn, get inspired and meet new colleagues and friends.
Hurdal is a small village stretching along the lake Hurdalsjøen. It is located only 30 minutes away from Oslo International Airport, and 50 minutes from Oslo City Centre. In early March, you will find the Norwegian winter still fighting against the coming of spring. At that time of the year, the outdoor temperature usually ranges from +2 to +8°C during the day. The hotel is set in stunning natural surroundings, perfect for relaxing outdoor activities like walking.
The conference venue and official hotel are in the Hurdal Vision and Activity Center (Hurdalsenteret), a modern facility run by the Norwegian association of blind people. Conveniently, all conference sessions, meals and accommodation for the scientific conference will be at the same place. Our scientific committee has put together a busy and extremely rich program that we will mix with social activities, thus allowing all delegates to have a taste of both Norwegian culture and their surroundings.
By gathering researchers, medical practitioners, representatives of associations and young patients at the same place for several days, we aim to strengthen an international community and generate a unique and inspiring environment, leading to major steps forward in the world of albinism.
Please don’t hesitate to join us in Norway for the 4th European Days of Albinism!
On behalf of NFFA,
Kjeld Christian Fjeldvig (President of NFFA)
and Edel Krøll (NFFA 4th EDA Coordinator)
September 2017