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In this special supplement of LEUKEMIA, we present
reports of papers given at the Xth Wilsede Conference. Every two years since
1973, those who have joined the biennial horse-drawn expedition to Wilsede
in the inner reaches of the Lüneberg Heide south of Hamburg, have enjoyed
wonderfully stimulating and informal discussions on all matters relevant
to leukaemia research and treatment. The rustic 'De Emhoff' 'barn' has provided
a convivial setting for many lively, and at times provocative, debates as
well as excellent cakes and, well, flies. A feast of oncogenes, stem cells
and antibodies have been spiced with musical interludes courtesy of Susumo
Ohno and extraordinary, if at times somewhat baroque, talks-onmore esoteric
issues such as the origin of life (as we know it). A number of senior scientists
including Bob Gallo, A v Mitchison, Fritz Anders and others have become
hardy and entertaining perennials at Wilsede and the opportunity for young
investigators to discuss science with such 'older hands'has always been
the key feature ofWilsede meetings, along with the international mix, including
in recent years an impressive representation from the eastern European countries.
The most remarkable feature ofWilsede is, however, the man behind it RolfNeth.
Rolfis no longer running the conference but he has been both its originator
and its outstanding character. He is a man of remarkable energy, intelligence
and compassion. His new mission in life after retiring from his academic
post in Hamberg last year is to assist in the development of care for leukaemia
patients in the ex-Soviet Union. This comes as no surprise to those ofus
who have seen the enthusiasm with which he set up, with Elena Frolova and
Boris Afanasiev the Volga and Neva meetings to be coupled every two years
with Wilsede. Some friends of the Wilsede conferences are sadly no longer
with us. Fred Stohlman died tragically after the first inaugural meeting;
Henry Kaplan and Ken McCreadie were other strong supporters who are sadly
missed. Characteristically, Rolf Neth has found very appropriate ways to
acknowledge these individuals in the meeting and so keep alive their spirit
and dedication to leukaemia research. Rolf, his wife and their four sons
have been at the heart of the Wilsede conferences and we all hope he continues
to be there to stimulate, entertain and, at times, bemuse us. His many friends
worldwide would expect nothing less. Mel Greaves Axel Zander 
Wilsede 1973. Rolf Neth ( second from left ) with ( left
to right ) Fred Stohlmann, Ron Mac Caffrey and Bob Gallo. |