ECM25 is over…….

Dear Delegates, Dear Accompanying Guests, Dear Sponsors and Exhibitors,

On behalf of the Organizing Committee I would like to thank you for your large participation in ECM25. With the 810 participants from the 50 countries, 78 accompanying persons and 32 sponsors and exhibitors, the ECM25 was one of the largest meeting over the last five years. I hope you enjoyed our meeting, meeting venue and social programmes.

The year of 2009 was special for ECA in terms of celebrating the 25th anniversary of ECMs, which was honoured with a special ceremony and special programme on August 18th.

Another point I believe made this year’s meeting special was the creation of Young Crystallographer Meeting. 100 Young Crystallographers attended to the YCM was held on August 17th.

I am grateful to the Programme Committee, the Chairperson of SIGs and the Microsymposia Chairpersons, who had shared the burden and responsibility of selecting speakers and topics. I would also like to thank our colleagues on the Organizing, Programme, Bursary Committees and Organizing Company VALOR for their efforts in the realization of ECM25.

I wish to thank the sponsors and the exhibitors whose contribution was vital for the success of the Congress.

To have the highest possible number of young crystallographers, we made a significant effort in raising funds. Such financial support was provided by IUCr, ECA, TCA and TUBITAK, and also OPCW for 3 senior participants from less favoured regions. Special word of thanks to Republic of Turkey Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Republic of Turkey-Prime Ministry Promotion Fund, Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, Metropolitan Municipality of Istanbul and Turkish Atomic Energy Agency for their collaboration and financial support to ensure a successful Congress.

Finally, I would like to express our sincere thanks to the ECA officials in particular; the President, the Secretary and the Executive Committee for their continous support and motivations.

I am grateful to everyone who had cordially expressed and informed us about their satisfactions and congratulations for the organization during congress days and after the meeting.

Engin Kendi
Chair of the ECM25