Welcome to the first edition of “SPIN (Sharing Progress in Neonatology” including the 31^st International Workshop on Surfactant Replacement.  As mentioned in the Congress title, we aimed to share progress achieved in Neonatology particularly focusing on brain injury and development and on lung diseases.

We are very fortunate to have well-known speakers from all over of the world who will discuss cutting edge issues in the field of the vulnerable newborn brain, neuroimaging, stem cell treatment, pulmonary circulation, retinopathy of prematurity, new non-invasive ventilation strategies, new guidelines on RDS, bronco-pulmonary dysplasia, the appropriate level of oxygen etc.

It is also very important to obtain abstracts from the participants in order to sustain a highly qualitative program, which also includes free papers and posters. Experienced chairmen, will undoubtedly catalyze lively discussions in every session.

The opening ceremony will be held on June 3rd and will include the 8th Bengt Robertson Memorial Lecture held by Prof. Virgilio Carnielli, Ancona, Italy. We expect over 400 delegates from numerous countries and different continents attending the meeting. In spite of the changes in the title of the Congress, we assure to keep the traditional workshop style in a very friendly atmosphere.

This meeting is characterized by friendly interactions between speakers and delegates to allow an active debate on basic and clinical issues aimed at improving the quality of care of sick newborns and preterm babies. Returning home armed with better approaches to everyday clinical problems probably constitutes one of the most important achievements of this meeting.