The theme of this ACGA-HKSMG International Conference is "Genetic and Genomic Medicine". In the past few years, the increasing application of genomic technologies, both in the laboratory and at the bedside, is becoming apparent. Genome wide analysis of transcriptional and structural changes became possible, and these latest technologies have quickly been taken into clinical trials and applications. Whole genome comparison and genome-wide association studies are becoming common in both the research and clinical literature. Expression profiling of neoplasms guides the choice of treatment regimens and provides an example of personalized medicine becoming reality. It is timely for us to explore these recent advancements in human biology in a colorful and ever-vibrant city, Hong Kong.

The organizing committee for the conference has put together an exciting program based on our theme, which will be of interest to both basic scientists and clinical geneticists. The four-day conference will consist of six keynote speeches and 18 concurrent sessions. The conference venue is on Sassoon Road in the Cheung Kung Hai Conference Center of The University of Hong Kong, which is close to Central and Cyberport. We extend our thanks to Professor Lap-Chee Tsui and his colleagues for the coordination of venue support.

Currently, we have lined up more than 40 confirmed speakers on the latest advances in different fields of genetic and genomic medicine. The welcome reception and the conference banquet will provide you the superb opportunity to meet old friends and gain new ones. With delegates joining us from around the world, the conference will surely be the perfect setting to share and exchange knowledge, views and ideas.

Finally, I hope that you will also take the opportunity to enjoy the well-planned social program organized by our professional conference organizer.

Dr. Wai Yee Chan            Dr. Stephen Lam

Organizing Committee Membership