On behalf of the European and the Spanish Societies of Gene and Cell Therapy, we welcome you to the beautiful city of Madrid for the joint 2013 Congress. Europe has long been at the forefront of basic and translational research on gene transfer and clinical applications of gene and cell therapy. The ESGCT Annual Congress is the leading arena for reporting latest progress, nurturing scientific exchange among scientists and clinicians, training young researchers and disseminating knowledge to our stakeholders and society at large.