DOG 2015: Ophthalmology – Basic Research and Cross-Disciplinary Cooperation

Dear colleagues,

It is my great pleasure to invite you to DOG 2015. 
The 113th edition of the DOG congress will be held on October 1st through 4th, once again at the Estrel Hotel & Convention Center in Berlin. Our scientific program and session structure will reflect this year’s congress theme, “ophthalmology – basic research and cross-disciplinary cooperation.”

Keynote lectures by renowned national and international speakers will illustrate how successful innovation is a result of both basic research and cross-disciplinary efforts. Over the past few years, the landscape of academic ophthalmology has changed. Many universities are establishing chaired professorships in Ophthalmology without the obligation to provide medical care to the public. These chairs are being established in addition to and at eye level with clinical and scientific professorships. Developments like these have placed ophthalmology more visibly on the map of national and European funding organizations. Now it is time that these dynamic, basic-research focused groups find their home in our association. Innovation requires research. Modern experimental methods are the result of interdisciplinary developments. Many eye diseases require cross-disciplinary treatment approaches. Reasons enough for us to seek out and benefit from the exchange with other disciplines. Active knowledge exchange and communication are our goal. They allow us to learn from one another, sharpen our skills, and develop our expertise.

In view of this objective, our congress will rely on proven, attractive formats while also testing new ones. Over the past years we have strengthened our focus on poster sessions as headsets now facilitate engaged discussions with a larger group of participants. The format “DOG-Update – State of the Art” will be offered for the third time in 2015 and is now firmly established as a continuous education block within the scientific program. Additionally, we are planning an additional congress format “Focus on Research” in 2015. Its aim is to promote young, highly productive, clinical-scientific research groups interested in basic research by connecting them with experienced scientists within their disciplines.

This approach will benefit not only our so-called “young talents” but also independent colleagues, clinical and clinical-academic professionals, and research specialists. As in 2014, a comprehensive trade exhibition will allow participants to discover the latest innovations, products, and developments in the ophthalmology industry. An attractive supporting program will complete the congress. Our DOG newsletter will update you on all the latest developments, news, and special highlights.

I sincerely thank you for your support and commitment and look forward to a fascinating congress with many engaging discussions.

Karl Ulrich Bartz-Schmidt

DOG President