Recent Advances in Connective Tissue Research: 26th–29th May, 1985, at Salamander Bay, Port Stephens, N.S.W., Australia

The contri buti ons to the workshops inc 1 uded short revi ews by i nvi ted speakers as well as research papers sel ected by the Chai nnen from the poster abstracts received. The afternoons were free for discussion and recreation but delegates reassanbled with the help of Hunter Valley Wines two hours before dinner to review the many posters presented. On the evenings of the 27th and 28th May, four review lectures were given by J. Dingle (The role of messengers of the IL-I/Catabolin type in cartilage turnover), R. Poole (Immunochemistry as applied to the study of connective tissues), W. Comper (Biophysical aspects of fluid movement in proteoglycan matrices) and P. Roughl ey (Cha nges in proteoglycan structure duri ng cartil age agei ng - ori gi n and effects). The workshop sessions and review lectures, while intense, provided much new data in the areas defined and provided useful debates on controversial issues, which in some instances still remain unresolved. However, the relaxed, informal atmosphere of the Salamander Bay resort provided the greatest incentive for open discussion, the renewal of old, and establishment of new, friendships, all of which are important aspects of our scientific community. While it was not possible to publish all the papers presented at the Salamander Bay Symposium, I trust that those contained herei n will provide some indication of the overall quality and scope of the meeting. Peter Ghosh President C.T.S.A.N.Z.