Foreword to the Special Issue for the 14th International Congress on Photobiology

The publication of this issue represents an appropriate commemoration of the 14th International Congress on Photobiology, held in Jungmun, Jeju, Korea, just about a year ago. It is indeed pleasant to recall that the congress was successful in both scientific and social contexts. The island location of the congress is well known for its exotic nature, beautiful environs, and unique history and culture. However, the congress would not have been successful without a meritorious scientific program to which some 600 participants including 462 abstract authors from 36 different countries contributed. The scientific program was further enriched by the Finsen Medallist Lectures by Dr John Epstein and Dr Masaki Furuya, the Finsen Award Lecture by Dr Daniel Yarosh, the Edna Roe Award Lecture by Professor Janet Bornman, nine Society-sponsored Plenary Lectures, and 36 symposia.

To commemorate the 2004 Congress, the Organizing Committee invited Professor Janet Bornman, Editor-in-Chief, Photochemical and Photobiological Sciences, to serve as a Guest Editor for a congressional proceedings volume. We are pleased that she has taken on this task enthusiastically, now resulting in an excellent issue that samples and reflects the success of the Congress's scientific program. It is satisfying that each of the papers in this issue has gone through rigorous scientific reviewing and editorial scrutiny. While it has not been possible to publish a comprehensive proceedings volume based on the entire congressional scientific program, the present issue does represent a memorable tribute not only to the authors, but also to those who contributed to the overall success of the Congress.

Finally, with my deepest feeling of sorrow I acknowledge Dr Seong Yawng Park, Honorary Chairman of The Kumho Asiana Group, who provided very generous financial support for the Congress. He passed away suddenly this year. I also acknowledge many colleagues who contributed enthusiastically to the success of the Congress, and in fact to the publication of this commemorative issue.

 

Pill-Soon Song

President, ICP 2004 Organizing Committee

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