This keynote intended to narrow the gap between basic and clinical research for the overall benefit of our patients. In retrospect I can summarize, that we have achieved this goal by intensive interdisciplinary cross talks between clinicians and bench scientists from in the different fields of shock represented by the membership of our societies.

The program was structured into three main parts with 21 symposia on trauma, sepsis and intensive care medicine running in parallel. In addition, we had two plenary sessions, award sessions, lunch symposia and most important two large structured poster sessions in all fields of shock. 381 posters were accepted for presentation all of them published in our journal shock.

This proceedings book compiles only a small number of presentations given at the meeting, however, gives an overview of the wide margin of this emerging field of Trauma, Sepsis and Intensive Care. Thanks to all of you who contributed to this up to date volume.

A special recognition was given to our former leaders in the field of shock, who passed away much too early. We named the three main lecture halls t o Günther Schlag from Austria- he was the host of our first international congress in 1991 in vienna together with Heinz Redl, to Mohamed Sayeed, the president of the US shock society in 1998-1999 and Juretta Horton, who passed away last year and was president in 1999-2000. Plaques at the entrances of the rooms gave infos about their personal and professional life. The texts of the plaques are published in the proceedings as well.

We as scientists and clinicians know about the great lacks of knowledge to prevent fatal outcome of shock – the public does not. The presidents of the participating Shock Societies therefore decided to go public with a "Cologne Declaration on Shock" in order to get an improved awareness by politicians, the public and our funding organisations.Thanks to all Presidents for signing the Declaration. The text of the Declaration is published also in this volume.

Translation of research results to products in diagnostics and therapeutics needs partnerships with the industry. In order to facilitate these collaborations, we decided to include our partners from the industry with lunch symposia and an industrial exhibition.I herewith thank all of them for their support and presentations of their newest acchievements.

Finally, I would like to thank the International and National Program Committee, the organizers of the different symposia for their help to set up this most interesting program as well as the Medimond publishers, especially Dr. Eleonora Leardini for their willingness and support in preparing this proceedings book.

Cologne- Witten/Herdecke September 2008