The biennial Ultra-Path Conference was held from July 11th to the 15th, 2004, in Barcelona, Spain (Figure). In total, 130 delegates from 35 countries on the five continents gathered to share their experiences, old and new, on the contemporary role of Electron Microscopy in diagnosis and research. Excellent contributions made up a timely program consisting of 4 guest lectures, 26 up-date lectures, 8 special lectures arranged in a review-course format, a case-presentation session, and 24 platform and 47 poster presentations. The city was in full blossom, and the weather conditions were favorable; thus, the social activities were very well received by the attendees. These included a reception held by the Mayor in the Salóde Cent (city hall rooms dating from the Middle Ages, which are usually closed to public), an informal dinner at sunset on the hills of Montjuic with flamenco music and dance, and the Gala Dinner at the Royal Palace of Pedralbes, including a short visit to the Royal rooms and halls and a concert by the young soprano, Alicia Ferrer. As is customary at these meetings, the combination of academic activities and social events allowed for a stimulating exchange of ideas and prompted the creation of scientific bonds among people from all over the world.
Every new step forward is enlightened by those who have previously cleared the path. The success of Ultrapath XII was fully attributable to the enthusiastic and collaborative attendees () as well as to the history of outstanding meetings that the Society for Ultrastructural Pathology has consistently organized. Since its inception, its trademark has been a tradition of high scientific standards shared in a collegial and friendly atmosphere. Much has been achieved in the past 20 years, and the efforts of many have led us to where we stand today. At Ultrapath XII, we missed some of the giants of Electron Microscopy, such as Feroze Ghadially and Bruce Mackay, but once more we were able to enjoy the fine figures of other founding members, such as Gary Mierau, Bob Erlandson, Jan Vincents Johannessen, Sam Hammar, and Jahn M. Nesland, among others. The strength of any organization comes not only from its founders, but also from the ability to incorporate new and active members. In this regard, many young pathologists, including 14 residents, were “first-time” attendees at Ultra-Path XII. The quality of the work, for which Pathologist-in-Training Awards were given, testifies to the potential that lies in these new generations; one of the highest priorities of our Society is to set up the optimal conditions for its fullest development. In this era of improved, but complex and costly immunocytochemical and molecular methods, the important role of Electron Microscopy must be emphasized. Electron microscopy laboratories must be kept alive by new waves of pathologists and other scientists to ensure better patient care and higher diagnostic and research standards.
In the first of a series of two issues of Ultrastructural Pathology devoted to Ultrapath XII, we are pleased to include an outstanding selection of papers that show, either in review or case-study format, the many applications and the great deal of relevant information derived from the judicious use of the electron microscope. It is impossible to neglect any of these pieces, as too much has been learned and is constantly being discovered using different techniques in every field. The integration of all relevant information into a single body of knowledge has been the strength of Pathology over the centuries, and this must continue in the years to come. The articles in this issue, as well as those in the forthcoming one, are the living proof that Ultra-Path meetings provide a unique forum for this goal.
The new location has already been chosen for the next exciting meeting, Ultrapath XIII, which will be held in Rapid City, South Dakota, July 9–14, 2006, under the heading “Frontiers in Ultrastructural Pathology”. I am sure that this time the frontiers will not be set, but rather, greatly expanded. This will certainly be an experience that nobody will want to miss.