Invitation We sincerely invite you to join us at the 9th International Research Society of Spinal Deformities (IRSSD) biannual Meeting in Poznan, Poland, July 1st-4th, 2012. IRSSD was established in 1994 to advance the study and research into spinal deformities for the public benefit. The objective of the Society is to provide a forum for the presentation and encouragement of research relating to spinal deformity and to disseminate the results of such research. The society holds an international Meeting every two years at which members and others with a research or clinical interest in problems affecting the vertebral column present for discussion scientific papers relating to the Society´s objectives, including structure, function, growth, biomechanics and imaging of the spine, the etiology and pathogenesis of deformities and the methods of evidence based medical practice in the field. The Society has the aim of achieving excellence in spine research and to support and encourage scientific investigations of spinal deformities. The IRSSD 2012 meeting will take place at the new Library and Conference Center of Poznan University of Medical Sciences. Poznan is a western Poland city with a history that goes back more than a thousand years. Modern Poznan is a vibrant metropolis, a perfect place for business, culture and entertainment. Splendid monuments of art and architecture, representing a wide variety of styles - from the Roman style to Secession illustrate rich history of the city. We look forward to seeing you in Poznan in July, 2012. Yours sincerely, Tomasz Kotwicki, MD, PhD Local organizer