Improving the clinical value of laboratory information and permitting a common global approach to diseases. Foreword.

Abstract

With the main objective of improving the clinical value of laboratory information and permitting a common global approach to diseases, the Scientifi c Division of the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (IFCC) organises Bergmeyer Conferences, usually on a biennial frequency. The series of IFCC Master Discussions as fora for experts and brainstorming sessions is dedicated to Professor Hans-Ulrich Bergmeyer to honour his outstanding achievements in biochemistry and the area of standardization. The series began 22 years ago and is still generously fully sponsored by Roche Diagnostics (Table I). The 12th Bergmeyer Conference was entitled “ Novel Biomarkers: From Discovery to Clinical Application ” and focused on approaches and challenges related to the new biomarker discovery and qualifi cation, assay optimization and performance specifi cations for biomarker evaluation and validation, requirements for introducing new biomarkers in clinical practice, and description of some examples from different indication areas. The Conference programme refl ected the multidisciplinary approach in attempts to promote a closer working relationship among laboratory professionals, basic researchers, epidemiologists, biostatisticians, clinicians, and representatives from manufacturers, regulatory bodies, and reference material providers, working on discovery, qualifi cation, validation, and clinical implementation of novel biomarkers. It is signifi cant that so many outstanding scientists have not only accepted an invitation to make presentations on their own specifi c fi eld, but also to actively discuss and gain further insight into this important subject. All lectures and contributions, including plenary discussions, given during the 2010 Conference are published in the present volume. As for all the previous Conferences, Anders Kallner again took over the main responsibility of editing these proceedings. Janet Smith put discussions in their proper context. Paola Bramati at the IFCC offi ce supported the organization of the scientifi c aspects of the Conference. Last but not least, Franz Baumann and his staff carried the burden of organizing the Conference in Eibsee, Germany, and in achieving, once again, the expectations of an outstanding meeting.