Welcome from the Chair

It is with great pride and pleasure that I invite you to come and join us in Canberra for the 2012 Annual Scientific Meeting of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG 2012 ASM), being held from 9-12 September 2012.

Many of you will be familiar with the excellent meeting facilities we have here in the shape of the National Convention Centre Canberra, close to the city centre, the conference hotels and all local amenities.

It is a large, modern, well equipped and comfortable conference venue, capable of delivering everything required for a great meeting.

Spring shows Canberra at its finest, with crisp mornings and warm days. See hot air balloons or the internationally famous Floriade flower festival redolent with the scents, sounds and sights of the Canberra spring.

Canberra is a vibrant, multicultural city with a range of pleasures to entertain the visitor. Museums, memorials, embassies and restaurants abound and a friendly welcome is guaranteed. Iconic buildings on the Canberra skyline are the monuments in the Parliamentary Triangle and around Lake Burley Griffin. They include the National Gallery of Australia, National Portrait Gallery, National Library of Australia, High Court of Australia, Museum of Australian Democracy at the Old Parliament House, National Carillon, National Museum of Australia, and Questacon – The National Science and Technology Centre to name a few.

Canberra has a large number of recreational opportunities for you to enjoy before or after the conference. Explore the great outdoors on our extensive cycle paths, world-class mountain biking and city walking trails. Discover Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve or Namadgi National Park, learn about native flora in the botanic gardens, and meet a cheetah at the zoo.

The social program promises to be a highlight in its own right, in particular with the gala dinner in the Great Hall of Parliament House.

The Scientific Committee are working extremely hard to provide an excellent scientific program, which I can guarantee will be up to the very high standard we continue to enjoy in our College.

Guest speakers include:

  • Professor Lord Robert Winston
  • Dr Jonathan Berek, Stanford University
  • Professor Ruth Fretts, Harvard University

I very much hope you will take this opportunity to attend and I look forward to meeting you and your partners in Canberra in September 2012 for a memorable meeting.

Dr Andrew Foote
Chair, Organising Committee
RANZCOG 2012 ASM