Dear colleagues and friends:

On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we would like to welcome you to Barcelona, the venue for the LXIV Congreso Nacional de la Sociedad Española de Hematología y Hemoterapia (SEHH) and XXXVIII Congreso de la Sociedad Española de Trombosis y Hemostasia (SETH) and the 38th World Congress of the International Society of Hematology (ISH).

After the success of the former congress held in Pamplona, where many of us were able to greet each other in person, we are pleased to organize and host in Barcelona the congress of both societies SEHH and the SETH. This event will be presential as long as any impediments arise. Furthermore, this edition of our congress will be held simultaneously with the 38th World Congress of the ISH. Because of this new factor, we have undertaken some additional organizational challenges that we are facing with hope and optimism. Both congresses will partially share schedules and sessions, what will add a scientific incentive for participants. The chosen venue, the Palacio de Congresos in Barcelona, can comfortably host both congresses. Your location, near the airport and the Sants central train station, allows easy access to the venue of both congresses. Also, the wide range of hotels near the venue facilitates a comfortable transfer without stress.

First of all, we would like to thank the Boards of Directors of the societies SEHH the SETH and the ISH, for choosing Barcelona as the venue for their congresses. To the Chairwoman and vice president of the Scientific Committee, Doctors Mª Dolores Caballero and Pilar Llamas, and to the coordinators of the educational program, Doctors David Valcárcel and José Mateo, for the elaboration of a particularly attractive and full program, that widely covers the scientific aspects of our specialty, without forgetting those related to the COVID-19, which will coexist in the coming years.

For its part, the program of the 38th World Congress of the International Society of Hematology includes thematic sessions with very updated content on the main areas of knowledge in our specialty.

It is also necessary to thank the presence and support of the pharmaceutical industry, that, as always, will host us on their stands and will complete our training with several satellite symposiums that will take place during the congress.

There is no doubt that the congresses are an essential source for our continuing training and this is their main purpose. However, it is important to mention that they are as well a frame to exchange knowledge and professional experiences with our colleagues and a place to share great moments of fellowship and friendship. This also “makes congress” and undoubtedly contributes to the progress of our scientific societies.

Our hope is that all of this can be more than fulfilled during the congress to be held in Barcelona. From our end, we have made out best efforts and worked with enthusiasm to get this scientific and social event be a success. In addition, we want that the attendants to the 38th World Congress of the International Society of Hematology feel at home and enjoy so much the both the scientific event and the attractions that our city offers.

We are waiting for you in Barcelona, a city of fairs and congresses, of culture, art, design and gastronomy; an open and welcoming city, where you will be welcome to the LXIV Congreso Nacional de la Sociedad Española de Hematología y Hemoterapia (SEHH) and XXXVIII Congreso de la Sociedad Española de Trombosis y Hemostasia (SETH) and the 38th World Congress of the International Society of Hematology (ISH).

We really hope that you enjoy both congresses and the attractions that our city offers.

Welcome to Barcelona!

As the Chair of Council of the lnternational Society of Hematology, it is my pleasure to welcome all of you to the LXIV CONGRESO NACIONAL SEHH-XXXVIII CONGRESO NACIONAL SETH- 38TH WORLD CONGRESS OF THE INTERNATIONAL SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. Barcelona, one of the most beautiful cities of the world is the outstanding venue of this meeting. This joint hybrid Congress has an exceptional state of the art­academic content, outstanding Spanish and international speakers will be there to share and learn with you the last advances in the field of Hematology. As mentioned before, the beautiful and cosmopolitan city of Barcelona is another reason to be here and enjoy this scientific feast. lt is an honor to be part of the organizing committee of this meeting and also an honor to have the opportunity to welcome all of you. 1 am sure that all the congressmen will return home with new information, ideas, creativity and several take home messages in order to improve the care of our patients.