It is with great pleasure that I welcome the 19^th World Meeting of the International Association of Forensic Sciences to the Autonomous Region of Madeira. Indeed it is an honour for us to be able to host such an important scientific event.

This conference will take place simultaneously with two other important events of the international forensic calendar, the 9^th Triennial Meeting of World Police Medical Officers and the 5^th Meeting of the Mediterranean Academy of Forensic Sciences. This is the first time that such a joint meeting will occur, giving a whole new dimension to the event, increasing international participation and making this Madeira meeting a very special one.

The scientific reputation of the organizing institutions and their respective presidents offers full guarantee of the quality of these meetings, which will provide an excellent opportunity for intense and productive debate, cooperation and exchange of knowledge and experiences on a global level.

It is thus with friendship and high regard that I warmly encourage all forensic professionals and academics from all around the world to come to the island of Madeira in September 2011. I am certain that the experience will not only be rewarding on the scientific level, but that it will also offer you the opportunity to visit one of the most beautiful and welcoming regions of the world, enabling you to fully appreciate the island’s natural beauty, excellent climate and unrivalled hospitality.

I am sure that everyone, participants and accompanying persons, will retain great memories of the visit and will wish to return.

Welcome to the Autonomous Region of Madeira!

Alberto João Cardoso Gonçalves Jardim
(President of the Regional Government of Madeira)