It is our pleasure to invite you to Boston on June 14-18, 2009 for the XV International Symposium on Atherosclerosis. This Symposium, held triennially under the auspices of the International Atherosclerosis Society, offers the world's largest and most prestigious forum for the presentation of new research and clinical findings on arterial disease. Atherosclerosis is the underlying cause of heart disease and stroke, which together account for more than half of all mortality and morbidity in developed societies. Advances in the detection, prevention, and treatment of cardiovascular disease continue to emerge as knowledge about the pathogenesis and biology of atherosclerosis increases. In recent years, ongoing awareness of the importance of lifestyle and drug therapies in cardiovascular risk reduction has been enhanced by pharmacological innovations, the development of sophisticated imaging techniques, and the sequencing of the human genome. Treatment of coronary heart disease has shifted from a primary focus on LDL–C levels to the concept of global cardiometabolic risk. There has been increased attention paid to the contributing role of other lipoprotein fractions including HDL and triglycerides and of inflammation in the development of atherosclerosis. Leading clinicians and scientific investigators from around the world have developed and will contribute to a cutting-edge program that aims to capture the scope and depth of the exciting field of atherosclerosis research and treatment. The Symposium will provide a comprehensive update on the challenges and questions currently shaping the field, as well as a clear picture of past and present advances in the field and a look into the future with regard to emerging strategies for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of atherosclerosis. We hope that you will join us for what promises to be a stimulating professional and educational event and we look forward to welcoming you to Boston.