Since its foundation in 1980, ESRA has sought to associate and affiliate into one organization all anaesthesiologists, physicians and scientists who are engaged in, or interested in, the techniques of regional anaesthesia for surgery, obstetrics, paediatrics and pain control. Our vision is to provide comfortable care everywhere through education, research and knowledge together in a flexible, innovative and open Society.

As in previous years, the focus of the scientific programme will be on state of the art presentations in our field as well as new insights into basic science, clinical research and therapeutic interventions. We are creating a scientific programme in which the interaction between speakers and audience is to be continuous and the basic aim for the scientific programme. The scientific standard at the annual ESRA congress is now recognised as one of the best in Europe and as a result carries a high rating with the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, who assign credit hours to all ESRA congresses.The Scientific Committee is developing a programme with topics covering all the fields of interest in the application of regional anaesthesia/analgesia alone or in multimodal approach. Acute and chronic pain management topics of special interest for anaesthesiologists will also be included as an important part of the programme.

The type of sessions will be refresher course lectures, networking sessions, pro/con debates, panel discussions, luncheon sessions, special workshops including cadaver workshops, and of course free paper and E-Posters. Residents are invited to submit their papers for inclusion in the ESRA Resident Best Free Paper and the ESRA Best Abstract Award competitions.

ESRA 2018 will also give us the time and opportunities for networking. While enjoying our outstanding scientific programme, ESRA's Annual Congress is the place to network with your peers, meet old friends and make new ones. This year's programme features several networking opportunities and occasions.

During the Dublin Congress you will have the possibility to register for the first part (written exam) of the Certified EDRA (European Diploma in Regional Anaesthesia & Acute Pain Management) and EDPM (European Diploma of Pain Medicine) . For those participants who have already successfully completed the first part of these diplomas there will be the opportunity to take the second part (practical).

We very much expect you to enjoy this exciting anaesthesia congress set in Dublin!

Alain Delbos - President ESREA

Thomas Volk - General Sekretary