On behalf of the Officers, conference organizers, and sponsors, we welcome you to the 2009 Annual Conference of the International Society of Exposure Science (ISES). 2010 marks the 20th anniversary of the formal establishment of ISES. This year's conference celebrates the successes of this young science and heralds its rise to meet the challenges of the future. Our conference theme, Transforming Exposure Science in the 21st Century, reflects our belief that exposure science is entering a pivotal period in its evolution.

The International Society of Exposure Science (ISES) was established in 1989 to foster and advance the science of exposure analysis related to environmental contaminants, both for human populations and ecosystems. Today, exposure science is vital to address the many current and emerging issues in global environmental and human health. Importance of this field continues to increase as regulators, manufacturers, and the public seek ways to identify and eliminate chemical, physical, and biological exposures that harm sensitive humans and ecosystems. This year's meeting will build on the strong foundation of significant achievements in exposure research over the past 20 years, while tackling the greater challenges of the next 20 years. Accomplishing this will require the creative involvement of all disciplines that encompass exposure science, as well as the many stakeholders that use exposure science.

ISES's Annual Conference is the premier event hosted by the Society to provide a forum to highlight significant scientific achievements in exposure science, broaden awareness of potential public health impacts of exposure research, exchange ideas and foster interaction among participants. We invite you to explore this year's conference program and discover for yourself the technically strong and intellectually stimulating program that reflects the strength and diversity of our community. In addition, this year we honor contributions of our Founders and Past Presidents during the opening ceremonies on Sunday night. We invite you to join us in this event that will set the stage for the transformation in exposure science.

Tina Bahadori, ISES President
Elaine Cohen Hubal, ISES 2009 Co-chair
John Adgate,ISES 2009 Co-chair