Molecular radiation biology/oncology and its impact on preclinical and clinical research in radiotherapy

Abstract

Scientists from 21 different countries worldwide participated in the 15th International Wolfsberg Meeting on Molecular Radiation Biology/Oncology, which was held from June 17 to 19, 2017 at Wolfsberg Castle, Switzerland. Thus, funded in 1997 by the first and the last author of this editorial the Wolfsberg Meeting Series could celebrate its 20st anniversary this year. According to comments from many participants the Wolfsberg Meeting Series is regarded as one of the top meetings in the field of molecular radiation biology/oncology. Right from the beginning this meeting series attracted international leading scientists to discuss cutting-edge research in molecular tumor and radiation biology as well as translational radiation oncology. The development of this meeting series to one of the world leading ones is interesting in that it was organized without support from of a major international scientific society. Nevertheless, however, in 2005 ESTRO became a strategic partner and has since supported the Wolfsberg Meeting Series by mainly two issues. First, by establishing the ESTRO-VARIAN-Juliana Denekamp Award for young scientists showing leadership for a specific research topic. This award has since 2005 been presented at the International Wolfsberg Meeting. Second, by supporting young ESTRO members with the prestigious ESTRO-Wolfsberg-Travel Award. This support reflects the basic idea of the organizers to arrange a high-profile international meeting where also young scientists can present their results and discuss many aspects of their scientific work with international leading experts. The special atmosphere of the Wolfsberg Meeting Series is created by the scientific structure, which provides detailed insights into international top research activities, by the friendly interaction of the participants both scientifically in the various sessions and socially at the Wolfsberg Barbecue and Dinner, and, especially, during and after the Wolfsberg Cup (a fun sports event). Last but not least the splendid location of the Wolfsberg Conference Center is certainly unique and is a guarantee for relaxed to the point coming discussions and the participants have always been eager to come back to the next Wolfsberg Meeting.