Today has started the http://www.wider-barcelona.org/webs/wider-barcelona_org/files/useruploads/PROGRAMA_WIDER_9_2015_ENG_3.pdf 9th edition of International Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) course, organized by the World Institute for Digestive Endoscopy Research (WIDER-BCN) from Vall d'Hebron University Hospital. Over one hundred doctors, surgeons and researchers from all over the globe are participating in this 9th edition, directed by WIDER's leader, Dr. José Ramón Armengol, and doctors Manuel Armengol, Antonio J. Torres and Joan Dot.The meeting has become the world's most outstanding forum about advanced endoscopic and transluminal surgery. This edition is divided in live sessions broadcasted from the VHIR's animal facilities, and conferences and discussions led by top researchers in this field.The Healthcare responsible of the Catalan government, Dr. Boi Ruiz, has launched this edition that has the aim to understand and assess the possibilities, technical limitations and instrumental of NOTES today, as well as to become familiar with the instrumental and learning in the Animal Laboratory. WIDER center was created in 2008, as an agreement between Generalitat de Catalunya, Obra Social "la Caixa", Vall d'Hebron Universitary Hospital and VHIR to encourage and promote research in endoscopic surgery and implement a specific and autonomous program inside VHIR's structure for this area. Recognition to the teamThe College of Physicians of Barcelona has recently distinguished the Digestive Endoscopy Unit of the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital with the Award for http://www.comb.cat/cat/cultura_lleure/premis/premis_llista.asp?Vqc4rzv=FH" Professional Excellence 2015.