This conference series plays a vitally important role in carrying the body of knowledge that supports injury prevention in this country and beyond. The continuity of the conference series over the last 12 years, the links the conferences maintain between researchers, policy makers, and practitioners, and the standards of excellence achieved, are vital ingredients that make these conferences a "must attend" opportunity for anyone interested in the field.

The theme "Applying the Science: an integrated approach" represents both an opportunity and a challenge. It draws attention on the urgent need to apply a renewed and reinvigorated focus to injury as the leading, and most preventable, cause of death in young people in Australia and our region, and a heavy burden in all age groups.

This conference is about scientific excellence, but it is also about translating new knowledge to practice. We broach new boundaries by exploring links between forensic medicine, coroners' investigations and the prevention of injury. We present new opportunities for our developing professionals. And as ever, we continue to discover new ways to reduce injury-related harm.

The Scientific Committee is preparing a quality program, the social committee is brimming with ideas. The 9th National Conference on Injury Prevention and Safety Promotion promises to be an exciting opportunity for all.

On behalf of the Organising Committee, we invite you Melbourne in July 2009 and look forward to seeing you there.

Rod McClure
Chair, Organising Committee