The ITM conference series has always had a strong spirit of cooperation under the NATO/CCMS umbrella, and with the considerable interest fram Partner countries to participate in the ITM conferences, it provides an excellent opportunity to create ties between scientists. Whereas all previous ITM conferences have taken place in NATO countries, the 23rd ITM takes place in a Cooperative Partner country, Bulgaria, and is hosted by the National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences. This fact reflects a general wish for a closer connection and collaboration among...