Japanese Culture Hosts Placental Science

Article Outline

• Copyright

Welcome to volume 21 of the successful series Trophoblast Research. The contributions here reflect the scientific state-of-the-art in placenta research as presented at the 14th Meeting of the Japan Placenta Association (JPA) and the 24th Meeting of Japan Trophoblast Disease (JTD) Study Group, held jointly with the 12th International Federation of Placenta Associations (IFPA) Meeting in Kobe, Japan, in September 2006. This meeting was historic in that it marked the progression of annual placenta research meetings through all the major parts of the world represented by IFPA. Professor Takeshi Maruo and his organizing committee are to be congratulated on their success. Both the scientific programme and the social events allowed exchange of thoughts, ideas and interactions in an informal setting, promoted by the wonderful environment of the sea, city and Japanese culture.

The overall theme of the meeting was Trophoblast Research from Bench to Bedside: Comparative, Experimental and Clinical Aspects and the format included plenary sessions, workshops and poster sessions. The theme reflects the spirit of a multidisciplinary approach to pregnancy and its problems by linking placenta research at the molecular and cellular level with the more clinically oriented research. A record number of contributions made this meeting an international focus for placenta science and all who have helped to advance our field. This meeting especially honoured the contributions to placentology of Maurice Panigel, an esteemed founding member of the international community of placenta research scientists.

All articles in this volume of Trophoblast Research were invited and underwent peer review. We are indebted to all who contributed to maintaining the tradition of high quality editorial standards and timely publication of the state-of-the-art in placental science presented at the meeting. The dedication of the authors, reviewers, and the Editorial Board have made it possible for publication within six months after the actual meeting in Kobe. As in previous years, the entire manuscript submission and review process used the electronic, web-based Elsevier Editorial System (EES) hosted by Placenta, the sister publication. We gratefully appreciate the excellent and professional work of the Elsevier Health Sciences publication team. In particular, Tina Cherrington, Greyling Peoples and Joanne Merrett have continuously shown excellent support of both our journals and the organization. Kathleen Shiverick is retiring as Editor with this volume, and she is grateful for the opportunity to participate in the successful partnership between meeting organizers, IFPA and our respective journals. We enthusiastically welcome Anthony Carter from the University of Southern Denmark as the incoming new Editor of Trophoblast Research.

We hope that the contents of this volume convey the spirit and sense of optimism generated at the Kobe meeting. We look forward to meeting you again at the forthcoming meetings in Kingston, Canada in 2007 and Budapest in 2008. With best wishes.