In addition to the free communication of original scientific research through oral and poster presentations, the BSID also promotes education through the organisation of symposia, affiliated meetings with other societies and educational meetings aimed principally at trainees.

EVENING EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIA

This session is aimed particularly at clinical trainees and non-clinical scientists who have just entered skin-related research, although more senior colleagues may also feel they need updating!

Last year, the focus of the educational session was therapeutics. This year, the speaker is:

• Prof. Colin Munro, University of Glasgow - On the trail of the lonesome gene

BSID SKIN CLUB SYMPOSIA

The annual meeting of the BSID includes a 3.5 hour BSID Skin Club symposium which is generally held on the afternoon of the first day of the meeting. This symposium usually features lectures by 3-4 guest speakers and focuses on the latest scientific research on a specific skin-related topic. The 'BSID Skin Club' title and the format of the symposium follows on from the traditional educational role of the Skin Club, which was officially amalgamated into the BSID in 2003.