Welcome Message
Dear Colleagues and Friends,
It is my great honour and pleasure to invite you to the 30th International Symposium on Morphological Sciences, taking place from 1st to 4th June 2028 in the heart of Europe – in Bratislava, Slovakia.
This symposium is a special milestone. Thirty scientific meetings across 57 years. That's what true tradition looks like. From the first conference in Mexico City in 1971, the International Symposium on Morphological Sciences has brought together anatomists, researchers, clinicians and students from all over the world. It has become much more than a scientific meeting – it is a place where friendships begin, collaborations grow, and new ideas shape the future of morphological sciences. Returning to Europe for the 15th time, the ISMS meeting will once again welcome participants to Central Europe after a 10-year interval.
The symposium will take place at Comenius University Bratislava, founded in 1919. As the oldest, largest and most prestigious university in Slovakia, it is ranked among the top 3.5% of universities worldwide. Our university bears the name of Jan Amos Comenius (Johann Amos Comenius), the great 17th-century philosopher, educator and theologian, who is often called the "Teacher of Nations." His educational philosophy was far ahead of its time. He promoted teaching in national languages instead of Latin, introduced illustrated textbooks into education, believed that learning should be engaging and understandable, and became one of the first advocates of lifelong learning. More than three centuries later, many of his ideas remain highly relevant as we continue to improve anatomy education through innovation, technology and international cooperation.
One of Comenius' best-known books, “The Labyrinth of the World and the Paradise of the Heart”, carries a timeless message. The world around us can sometimes seem like a labyrinth – complex, uncertain and even chaotic. Yet Comenius reminds us that if we keep wisdom, understanding, empathy, love and kindness in our hearts, we will never lose our way even inside the labyrinth. I believe this message is especially meaningful for all of us who dedicate our lives to science, anatomy and education.
Located in the heart of Europe, Bratislava provides an ideal setting for the celebration of the 30th jubilee of science and international cooperation. Bratislava, lying on both banks of the Danube River, is the only capital city in the world that directly borders two sovereign countries: Austria and Hungary. Its unique geography makes it a central meeting point for three distinct cultures, reflecting the spirit of the ISMS itself: connecting people across borders through knowledge, respect and friendship.
The scientific programme will cover the full spectrum of morphological sciences – from molecules, cells and tissues to organs and organ systems, from embryonic development to clinical anatomy, and from advanced imaging technologies and artificial intelligence to innovative approaches in anatomy and histology education. As President of the Symposium, I warmly invite you to share your latest discoveries, exchange ideas with colleagues from around the world, establish new collaborations and inspire the next generation of anatomists. Beyond the scientific sessions, I hope you will enjoy the unique atmosphere of Bratislava, one of Europe's most welcoming capital cities. I encourage you to discover its rich history (between 1536 and 1830, eleven Hungarian kings and queens were crowned here), vibrant culture and warm hospitality while creating memories that will last long after the symposium has ended.
On behalf of the Organizing Committee, I sincerely look forward to welcoming you to Bratislava in June 2028. Let us celebrate thirty editions of the ISMS by looking confidently toward the future of morphological sciences – together.
Welcome to Bratislava, welcome to Comenius University, and welcome to the heart of Europe.
With my best personal wishes,
Professor Ivan Varga
President of the 30th International Symposium on Morphological Sciences
Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
