This 3rd International Conference on Coma and Consciousness is expected to be the largest meeting yet, and promises to be very exciting in many ways. We hope that you will join us for this unprecedented event.

In addition to the interesting scientific programme, which will feature outstanding speakers, experts in different fields related to coma and disorders of consciousness, there will also be scientific poster presentations and a round-table session with experts, which will highlight problems in the fMRImaging of Disorders of Consciousness (DOC) patients. Our aim is to promulgate, within the scientific community, the concept that advanced imaging techniques constitute a valuable tool for challenging the residual brain functions of patients affected by DOC and for developing more reliable biomarkers that will make it possible to overcome the current problems leading to misdiagnosis of vegetative state and minimally conscious state.