The observation of the relationship between occupational hazards and diseases dates back to several centuries ago, but only in the final years of the 17th century a systematic description of the diseases according to their occupational causes allowed improvement of knowledge in this field. That is why Ramazzini is the worldwide recognized "Father of Occupational Medicine". Bernardino Ramazzini was born in Carpi, a small town near Modena, on October 4, 1633. On invitation from duke Francesco d'Este he was appointed Chair of Theory of Medicine in 1682. He then taught for thirty-two years: in this period his interest as a scholar was attracted by several topics, but he focused his attention mainly on workers' health problems. For nearly as many years he investigated the subject in depth, visiting workplaces (Ego quidem ... neque indecorum credidi in viliores Officinas pedem quandoque immittere, & ... Artium Mechanicarum secreta contemplari), observing workers' activities and discussing with workers illnesses they were affected by (..liceat quoque interrogationem hanc adiicere, & quam artem exerceat).

Date: May 12, 2000

Venue:
"Bernardino Ramazzini" Hall, Faculty of Medicine - Policlinico - Largo del Pozzo, 71 - Modena (Italy).

Programme

The Morning Programme (9-13.30) includes:

• Opening address by C. PELLACANI, Rector of University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and by M. PONZ DE LEON, Dean of Faculty of Medicine
• The ICOH Scientific Committee on "History of occupational and environmental diseases" by A. GRIECO
• Bernardino Ramazzini's role as the Father of Occupational Medicine in an international perspective by J.F. CAILLARD
• The modernity of Ramazzini's thought by G. FRANCO
• The health of chiefs and workers into the third millennium... have we failed Ramazzini? By M. HARRINGTON
• The "De Morbis Artificum Diatriba" editions since 1700 and their heritage by F. CARNEVALE, A. BALDASSERONI
• Presentation of the latest Portuguese edition of the "De Morbis Artificum Diatriba" by R. FACCI
• The Collegium Ramazzini: perpetuating the legacy of the Master by C. MALTONI
• Historical Lecture: the figure of Bernardino Ramazzini by G. ARMOCIDA
• New trends of research in occupational health:
• The international perspective by P.A. BERTAZZI
• New trends of research in occupational health:
• The Italian perspective by A. MOCCALDI, S. IAVICOLI
• Working without limits - SALTSA initiatives on the health effects of the New Labour Market by C. HOGSTEDT
• Disability and work by E. CAPODAGLIO
• Concluding remarks by A. GRIECO, A. MOCCALDI and G. FRANCO.

The Afternoon Programme (15.30-17.30) includes a guided tour throughout manuscripts and books by Bernardino Ramazzini at the Estense Library, Modena by P. ORTOLANI

Participation
Participation is free of charge. Participants are kindly requested to confirm their participation before April 26, 2000 by fax (+39 059 270866)
or
by e-mail (medlav@unimo.it or medlav2@unimo.it) providing us with: Name, Institution, complete address.

How to reach Modena

BY PLANE. Bologna's airport "Guglielmo Marconi" is linked to the Modena bus station by an ATCM bus service. Tickets (20.000 ITL) can be purchased on the bus starting from h 6.15 (arrival h 7.10) and ending at h 20.45 (arrival h 21.40). Furthermore, Bologna's airport is linked to the Bologna railway station by a coach service called "Aerobus FOLLOW ME" departing every 30 minutes. The service starts at h 6.00 and ends at h 23.20. The trip lasts about 25 minutes. The ticket costs 6000 ITL and can be purchased on the coach.

BY TRAIN. The trains from Bologna to Modena leave every half an hour and arrive at the destination in 20 minutes.The fastest trains (Intercity or Eurostar) leaving Milano or Bologna stop at Modena railway station. Please note that Intercity or Eurostar trains require a special ticket.

BY CAR. Coming from north (A22 Brennero highway; A1 Milano-Roma), exit at "Modena Nord". Out of the highway, take the "Tangenziale" road to the town centre (follow the sign "Policlinico"). Coming from south, the exit "Modena Sud" is recommended. Take Vignolese Street and proceed to "Policlinico".

Accommodation.
Participants can book their accommodation at the following recommended Hotel:

HOTEL DAUNIA, Via del Pozzo 158, 41100 Modena, Phone +39-059371182 o Fax +39-059374807. Hotel Daunia's staff will be pleased to provide help in arranging accommodation in other hotels.

Further Information.
For any information please contact Simona Pedretti or Daniela Fano at the address/phone/e-mail provided below.