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First South-North human genome conference
Gene, 112 (1992) 145 © 1992ElsevierSciencePublishersB.V.All rightsreserved.0378-1119/92/$05.00
145
GENE06345 ANNOUNCEMENT First
South-North
Human
Genome
Conference
-
Caxambu, Brazil, 12-15 May 1992 Scientists of Third World countries are worried that if they do not share in the Human Genome Project, they will miss the opportunity of bringing its great benefits to the population. Indeed, most of the human genomes on the entire face of the earth are in the Third World. Developing nations would like to have access to the information generated by the Human Genome Project and be consulted on the emerging social benefits and ethical issues. Most importantly, however, they will have to advance technologically in order to place themselves in a position to profit from this new information. This will require a concerted scientific and political effort to ensure that the governments of Third World countries will provide enough funds for developing molecular biology. UNESCO has decided to sponsor the First South-North Human Genomc Conference in Brazil to discuss these issues in an international forum. The Conference is being co-sponsored by HUGO, PLAGH, ICGEB, COGENE, MCBN and the Brazilian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The Conference will bring together 40-50 leading world experts on genome mapping and sequencing that will participate with presentations and discussions. Already confirmed are: J.E. Ailende, P.L. Asofeita, A. Azzi, G. Bernardi, J. Bertranpetit, J. Bodmer, W. Bodmer, C. Cantor, L.L. Cavalli-Sforza, K. Dellagi, H.A. Erlich, C.L. Ginther, S. Grisolia, K.K. Kidd, M.C. King, A. Langaney, P. McAlpine, V. McKusick, A. Mirzabekov,
S. Paabo, S. Panyim, A. Piazza, F. Rothhammer, A.V. Rynditch, F. Salzano, G.F. Sensabaugh, W. Szybalski, L.C. Tsui, M. Uhlen, J.C. Venter, J.D. Watson, N. Wexler and M. Wu. The audience will be limited to 400. The Conference will be held over three days. The first day will be dedicated to discussion of the Human Genome Project in its strategical, technical, medical, ethical and social aspects, with emphasis on its impact on developing nations. The second day will be dedicated to discussion of human genetic variability in the context of the Human Genome Project. The third day will be dedicated to the practical aspects of molecular biology and genetic engineering in developing nations. Caxambu, in Brazil, is a small town in the state of Minas Gerais, well known for its multitude of mineral springs. In the past, it was an important center of hydrotherapy, and it is still much used as a spa. Geographically, Caxambu is located in the center of a triangle made by Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, the three largest cries in Brazil. The tranquil atmosphere of the town, and the fact that the meeting is concentrated in a single resort hotel, should make for lively scientific discussion and a pleasant social exchange. For further information contact: Prof. Sergio D.J. Pena, GENE/MG, Av. Afonso Pena 3111/9, 30130 - Belo Horizonte - MG (Brazil) Tel. (55-31)227-3496; Fax (55-31)22%3792 or 441-5963.
145
GENE06345 ANNOUNCEMENT First
South-North
Human
Genome
Conference
-
Caxambu, Brazil, 12-15 May 1992 Scientists of Third World countries are worried that if they do not share in the Human Genome Project, they will miss the opportunity of bringing its great benefits to the population. Indeed, most of the human genomes on the entire face of the earth are in the Third World. Developing nations would like to have access to the information generated by the Human Genome Project and be consulted on the emerging social benefits and ethical issues. Most importantly, however, they will have to advance technologically in order to place themselves in a position to profit from this new information. This will require a concerted scientific and political effort to ensure that the governments of Third World countries will provide enough funds for developing molecular biology. UNESCO has decided to sponsor the First South-North Human Genomc Conference in Brazil to discuss these issues in an international forum. The Conference is being co-sponsored by HUGO, PLAGH, ICGEB, COGENE, MCBN and the Brazilian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. The Conference will bring together 40-50 leading world experts on genome mapping and sequencing that will participate with presentations and discussions. Already confirmed are: J.E. Ailende, P.L. Asofeita, A. Azzi, G. Bernardi, J. Bertranpetit, J. Bodmer, W. Bodmer, C. Cantor, L.L. Cavalli-Sforza, K. Dellagi, H.A. Erlich, C.L. Ginther, S. Grisolia, K.K. Kidd, M.C. King, A. Langaney, P. McAlpine, V. McKusick, A. Mirzabekov,
S. Paabo, S. Panyim, A. Piazza, F. Rothhammer, A.V. Rynditch, F. Salzano, G.F. Sensabaugh, W. Szybalski, L.C. Tsui, M. Uhlen, J.C. Venter, J.D. Watson, N. Wexler and M. Wu. The audience will be limited to 400. The Conference will be held over three days. The first day will be dedicated to discussion of the Human Genome Project in its strategical, technical, medical, ethical and social aspects, with emphasis on its impact on developing nations. The second day will be dedicated to discussion of human genetic variability in the context of the Human Genome Project. The third day will be dedicated to the practical aspects of molecular biology and genetic engineering in developing nations. Caxambu, in Brazil, is a small town in the state of Minas Gerais, well known for its multitude of mineral springs. In the past, it was an important center of hydrotherapy, and it is still much used as a spa. Geographically, Caxambu is located in the center of a triangle made by Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, the three largest cries in Brazil. The tranquil atmosphere of the town, and the fact that the meeting is concentrated in a single resort hotel, should make for lively scientific discussion and a pleasant social exchange. For further information contact: Prof. Sergio D.J. Pena, GENE/MG, Av. Afonso Pena 3111/9, 30130 - Belo Horizonte - MG (Brazil) Tel. (55-31)227-3496; Fax (55-31)22%3792 or 441-5963.