Publication of a multi-author textbook on the biomedical applications of synchrotron infrared microspectroscopy was a central element in the workplan of the EU project DASIM (Diagnostic Applications of Synchrotron Infrared Microspectroscopy). The project involved nearly 70 scientists and clinicians from 9 European countries, including all synchrotron facilities that have or are planning an infrared beamline. Together with its international associates from the USA, Canada and Australia, the project brought together essentially all recognized experts in the field. The project aims were to coordi