Organisers

Andres Metspalu, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Estonian Biocentre, Tartu, Estonia

Introduction

The 8th Annual International Gene Forum 2008 to be held at June 12-14, 2008 in Tartu , Estonia will be an international high-level scientific conference on genetics and genomics. Specific topics of Gene Forum 2008 include genomics and genetics of complex diseases, genetic epidemiology, pharmacogenomics and business, population genetics, human genetics and bioethics.

At Gene Forum 2008, the series of presentations are given by leading scientists and distinguished experts in the field of human genetics and genomics from Europe as well as from other parts of the world. Exhibition highlighting the latest improvements in young biotechnology industry in Estonia is organised to introduce the state-of-the art in the field and to promote academia-industry scientific co-operation by exchanging information about the recent developments.

Gene Forum 2008 is targeted towards the participation of academia and public sector as well as the practitioners in the field from all European countries, with the emphasis on young researchers. The specific target groups are Ph.D. students and young researchers, scientists, and business representatives (industry leaders, investors, SME-s).

Gene Forum 2008, provides an excellent opportunity to promote the collaboration between the researchers active in the fields related to genomics and to share the knowledge and expertise in the field. Gene Forum 2008 project contributes to the improvement of the state of the art in genetics in Europe by concentrating on following types of activities:

•  Providing a meeting place for scientists and researchers involved in research on different aspects of genetics, with the aim to foster knowledge of all the interdisciplinary aspects of the field;

•  Providing a meeting place for academia and public sector representatives and practitioners in the field (physicians, healthcare officials, etc) with the aim of fostering the relationship between these players and contributing to the application of recent research results in practice;

Gene Forum 2008 will be a high-level scientific conference lasting for 3 days, in a series of conferences organised annually on the general theme of genetics. The conferences have been organised since 2000 and each conference has had a special topical focus within the theme. It was "Genetic Medicine: An Array of Opportunities" in 2005 and "Basic Genomics" in 2006.

The three-day conference programme includes lecture by the keynote speaker and 8 sessions including 22 lectures (40 minutes each) and each session is concluded with questions-answers section moderated by the session chair. There will be session about bioethics with speakers representing Estonian Genome Project and UK Biobank.

One of the strategic objectives of the conference is to support the development of abundant and dynamic world-class human resources in the European research system, taking into account the inherent international dimension of research. From the EU's perspective, mobility of researchers, young researchers in particular, is one of the essential and visible means of development of European Research Area (ERA). Mobility of researchers will create European added value by raising their scientific excellence and by enhancing the transfer of knowledge. International contacts will be especially important for younger researchers.

The Gene Forum 2008 also contributes to the aim of spreading awareness and knowledge of the field . The effect on public understanding of the topic is fostered by attempting to fill the gap between the rapidly developing science and the social awareness about the issues that it provokes or brings along. The success of the implementation of gene technologies in improving everyday life, including healthcare and food production, depends on one single and major issue - whether the general public will approve or disapprove it.

The key to this issue is to continue the dialogue between the scientific community and the public . Thus, it is vital to get distinguished experts in field, young researchers and general public involved in the discussions about ethical, social and legal aspects of conducting genome research. This aim is mostly achieved via the broad media coverage accompanying Gene Forum 2008 and via specific session of ethics. However, the main direction of the Forum still is to be a high-level scientific event meant for transferring the best practice and offering training in the field.

The Gene Forum 2008 will take place in Tartu, the second biggest city of Estonia, rich in academic and historical traditions. Sessions will be held in the Vanemuine Conference Centre, which is situated in the centre of the city.

Draft Programme

Venue

The Gene Forum 2008 will take place in Tartu, the second biggest city of Estonia, rich in academic and historical traditions. Sessions will be held in the Vanemuine Conference Centre, which is situated in the centre of the city.

Registration

Registration is closed.