On behalf of my team it is a great pleasure to invite you to participate in the 5th International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium (ISTS) 2018, to be held 27-29 September 2018 in Groningen. Based on the success of previous congresses in Umea, Vancouver, Oxford and Cape Town, which attracted a growing number of clinicians and researchers from scientific groups involved in tendon research from around the world, we feel honoured to be organising this Fifth Anniversary edition.

Just like in the past congresses, the upcoming conference will present information on both relevant basic tendon scientific research and clinical evidence-based methods to prevent and manage tendon-related problems using a multidisciplinary perspective. The overarching theme ‘Towards Healthy Tendon Ageing…’ covers fundamental biological and clinical/preclinical research as well as applied research into the social and societal impact of tendinopathy. Invited keynote lecturers, ‘What can we learn from…’ discussions,  free communications, poster presentations and workshops will be part of the programme.

The scientific programme, the city, and last but not least the great opportunity to catch up and share knowledge with your international colleagues, are just some of the reasons why you should come to the 5th ISTS meeting in Groningen in 2018. If you are involved in tendon research you will not want to miss this unique opportunity and experience!

Prof.dr. J. Zwerver, chair ISTS_2018