Press Release (96)129 17 Sept. 1996

NATO Advanced Research Workshop on "Positron Emission Tomography" 1-5 October, 1996 in Debrecen Hungary A NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Positron Emission Tomography (PET) will take place from 1-5 October 1996, in Debrecen, Hungary. The workshop will provide researchers from NATO member and Cooperation Partner countries with the opportunity to meet in order to critically assess recent trends in applications of this technique and to interact in the promotion of mutual scientific collaboration. Positron Emission Tomography is one of the most advanced biological imaging techniques which is widely used in NATO countries in clinical practice as well as in various research fields in biomedical sciences (neuroscience, pharmaceutical research, etc.). The introduction of PET has revolutionized clinical diagnostics as well as basic and applied biological research by making possible the visualisation and measurement of physiological and biochemical functions and parameters of the living organism in the proper anatomical context of the organs explored. The fields of application of PET are rapidly expanding. The first PET center in Central Europe was established in Debrecen, Hungary, in 1994. Since then the Hungarians have investigated hundreds of clinical cases. In addition to diagnostic activities, neuroscience and clinical research projects are also part of the center's daily activities. The center, the only such institution in Central and Eastern Europe, is open to patients, physicians and researchers from Cooperation Partner countries as well as from NATO countries. Twenty-six speakers and forty participants from over twenty-five countries will attend the meeting. Key lectures will be presented by foremost authorities in the field, from institutions such as the Institut für Medizin, Forschungzentrum Jülich (GE), the Hungarian PET Foundation, Debrecen (HY), the Nobel Institute of Neurophysiology, Stockholm (SW), the Institute of Neurology of Hammersmith Hopital, London (UK), and l Hôpital F. Jolliot, Orsay (FR). Co-directors are: Prof. H.W. MUELLER-GAERTNER, (Germany Fax: Int l +49-2461 612 820), and Dr. B. GULYAS (Hungary, Fax: Int l + 36-52 416 181). For further information, please contact: Dr. J.A. RAUSELL-COLOM, Director, Programme on High Technology, NATO, Division of Scientific and Environmental Affairs - Brussels - Fax Number: (Int l + 32-2) 707-4232. MEDIA ADVISORY