Classical and emerging infectious diseases, viral pandemics, and drug-resistant pathogens remain challenges to human health. However, contemporary advances in genetics and genomic technologies provide new approaches to understanding and combating these diseases. The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) and the Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) are partnering with Nature Publishing Group (NPG) to organize an international conference to discuss how the genomes, unique biologies, and interactions of both host and pathogen are being revealed using novel genomic technologies, and how this information can and will translate into disease management and therapies. This conference will engage basic and clinical scientists, including human geneticists, genome scientists, computational biologists, and experts in pathogenic microbial agents to chart the effects of genomics on questions in global infectious disease management. Session titles:
(1) Infectious Disease Epidemiology & Spread (covering Avian flu, Influenza, Burkholderia pseudomallei and Salmonella typhi)
(2) The Genetics of Host Response (Mycobacterial infections, Dengue, Tuberculosis and Malaria)
(3) Discovery in Emerging Infections
(4) Pathogen Genomic Biology and Therapy
Barry Marshall, Nobel Laureate (Australia) will be our keynote speaker.
A special Discussion Session on how can advanced genomic sciences be integrated into the framework of public health and government policies to combat challenges of infectious diseases is featured on 23 March 2009 (Monday) from 4 pm - 6.30 pm focusing on the confluence of open commerce and human mobility, of global warming and population crowding will establish unusual conditions for emerging infectious challenges. The power and speed of technologic advances can potentially counter these infectious disease threats, as was seen during the SARS crisis in Asia.
Venue: Ritz Carlton Millenia Hotel, Singapore
Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) is an international organisation formally established in 1988 to foster collaboration between genome scientists around the world. It is entering the 20th year of its history by making an inflection in its direction. Now that the human genome has been sequenced, we are seeking the biological meaning of its information content. To this end, it is focusing on the medical implications of genomic knowledge. Moving forward, HUGO is also working to enhance the genomic capabilities in the emerging countries of the world. The excitement and interest in genomic sciences in Asia, Middle East, South America, and Africa are palpable and the hope is that these technologies will help in national development and health.
The American Society of Human Genetics
The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG), founded in 1948, is the primary professional membership organization for human geneticists in North America. Members include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses and others involved in human genetics. The principal objectives of ASHG are to bring together investigators in the many areas of endeavor that involve human genetics, and to encourage and integrate their efforts by providing a forum for sharing research findings. This is accomplished primarily through the Society’s annual meeting and its official monthly publication, The American Journal of Human Genetics. In keeping with its focus on education, ASHG strives to inform health professionals, legislators, health policy makers and the general public about all aspects of human genetics. The Society actively encourages the participation and contributions of young scientists to ensure ongoing growth and progress in the field.
For further information about the Society, visit www.ashg.org.
Nature Publishing Group
Nature Publishing Group (NPG) is a division of Macmillan Publishers Ltd, dedicated to serving the academic, professional scientific and medical communities. NPG’s flagship title, Nature, was first published in 1869. Other publications include Nature research journals, Nature Reviews, Nature Clinical Practice, and a range of prestigious academic journals including society-owned publications. NPG also provides news content through Nature News and scientific career information through Naturejobs. The company has a growing conference series.
NPG is a global company with headquarters in London and offices in New York, San Francisco, Washington DC, Boston, Tokyo, Paris, Munich, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Delhi, Mexico City and Basingstoke. For more information, please go to www.nature.com.
