Welcome to the 6th Conference of the European Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation. Hidradenitis suppurativa has never attracted so much attention before and the need for exchange of information and opinion has never been greater – which is good news for both – patients and researchers. The conference will support the flow of new ideas in the field, by bringing together the key stakeholders in a programme that we hope will offer something to both patients and researchers in academia as well as industry.

There is much catching up to do with Hidradenitis, but although many other fields have an advantage they have gained over time, we have the advantage of starting in the current golden era of new biomedical research techniques. The catching up may therefore prove to be faster and more effective than one may fear. Another advantage offered by the conference is the facility for collaboration, which is even greater in Hidradenitis than in many other fields because of the many opportunities for even basic discoveries and an inclusive community. We learn and develop from being inclusive rather than divisive.

Finally, we hope that the better understanding of the disease will also open the way for a broader collaboration with the non-dermatological community, based on the unique biological characteristics of Hidradenitis.

We invite you to join us for a memorable conference here in Copenhagen from 8 to 10 February.