Welcome to the Fifth International Fructan Symposium (5^th IFS) - Fructan 2004 -

The Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (CIGB), Havana, Cuba was honored to host the Fifth International Fructan Symposium (5^th IFS) - Fructan 2004 - from December 5^th to 9^th with the participation of 120 delegates from 20 countries.

Fructan 2004 followed the successful meetings held in Bonn (Germany, 1988), Aberystwyth (GB, 1992), Logan (USA, 1996) and Arolla (Switzerland, 2000). This time the scientific program included seven sessions with a total of 25 lectures (30 min), 18 oral presentations (15 min) and 58 posters.

The International Scientific Committee and the Local Organizing Committee highly appreciate the sponsors contributions and the attendance of all the participants.

We are pleased to announce that the Sixth International Fructan Symposium (6^th IFS)
- Fructan 2008 - will be held in Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan.

I wish you a Happy and Prosperous 2005!