It is a great pleasure and challenge for the Biotechnology Association of Turkey to host one of the world's most prestigious Biotechnology events, the "15th EUROPEAN CONGRESS on BIOTECHNOLOGY of the European Federation of Biotechnology - ECB15" which will be held in Istanbul between the dates of 23rd through 26th September 2012.Located at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, we believe that ECB15 will attract top scientists, decision and policy makers, high-tech companies, start-up companies, entrepreneurs, investors and students from all around the region.Istanbul is unique in the way she has been hosting for so many centuries all religions in peace and harmony while embracing two continents. With one arm reaching out to Asia and the other to Europe, Istanbul has been inhabited since the end of the 4th century B.C. Remains from Hellenic, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods are scattered all around the city. They include the Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Topkapı Palace and Turkish Baths, making Istanbul a marvelous open air museum. Istanbul offers easy air connections to hundreds of cities around the world and is one of the world's most exciting conference destinations. Istanbul's outstanding infrastructure, includes modern, luxurious accommodation ranging from over 24,000 five-star hotel rooms built or renovated in the past five years to ample modestly-priced accommodation for students, its state-of-the-art conference and exhibition venues make it an excellent choice for ECB15. We look forward to welcoming you to Istanbul for ECB15 in September 2012. Sincerely yours,     Prof. Hüseyin Avni Öktem                                               Em. Prof. Marc Van Montagu