Until now, I've noticed that the topic of anemia—and the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood—has not been mentioned much. We've heard discussions on hypovolemia, fluid overload, and volume status, but anemia, which directly impacts oxygen delivery, seems to be underrepresented in the conversation. My name is Professor Can Ince, and I'm a physiologist, not a clinician. I have the pleasure of giving two lectures at this year's congress. The first is on the glycocalyx—a crucial component of the endothelial surface layer that lines blood vessels. The glycocalyx plays a central role in maintaining vascular integrity, and I'll be discussing its involvement in the pathogenesis of sepsis and shock. My second session is a Pro/Con debate with Professor Anders Perner on the use of blood transfusions. I'll be arguing in favor of transfusing blood, emphasizing that blood—unlike fluids—is the body's primary oxygen carrier, and restoring oxygen delivery is often more important than just increasing volume. As for the conference itself, I've had the honor of attending since the very beginning, and I'm truly grateful to be invited back each year. Even as a non-clinician, I find this meeting immensely valuable. It's one of the few forums that successfully integrates fluid therapy with hemodynamic support into a unified, physiologically grounded concept. This approach is exactly what we need to optimize fluid use in perioperative and critical care. Each year, I see growing enthusiasm and engagement from colleagues across Europe, and that is a testament to the vision and commitment behind this event. So, well done Manu—and I sincerely hope that the IFAD Congress continues to thrive for many years to come.

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