On behalf of The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) and the International Federation of Human Genetics Societies (IFHGS), it gives us great pleasure to invite human geneticists from all around the world to attend and participate in the 12th International Congress of Human Genetics (ICHG) and the 61st ASHG Annual Meeting. The Congress will be held at the Le Palais des Congrès (Convention Center) in Montreal (Quebec), Canada from Tuesday, October 11th through Saturday, October 15th 2011, coinciding with the ASHG meeting.

The ICHG is the foremost meeting of the world human genetics community and is held every five years. The first Congress was held in 1956 in Copenhagen and subsequent venues have included Berlin, Washington, DC, Rio de Janeiro, Vienna and most recently Brisbane. The anticipated attendance is 7,000 delegates from over 60 countries around the world.

By 2011 the impact of the Human Genome Project and advances in genomic science, biotechnology, and personalized medicine will make attendance at the 12th ICHG essential for genetics researchers, clinicians, and health care providers. As collaborative science increasingly crosses geographic boundaries, and the variation in the world’s population is better understood, the interaction among scientists becomes more vital and vibrant.  In 2011, the ICHG will be the major focal point and platform for the world’s most exciting research.

The Congress includes invited presentations from leading international geneticists, a variety of symposia, workshops, posters and other sessions focusing on the most important and recent developments in human genetics, including: basic and molecular genetics; genomics; epigenetics; clinical genetics; population genetics; genetic counseling; ethics; education; cancer genetics; prenatal genetics; public health genetics. The Scientific Program Committee (SPC) is responsible for selecting submitted work for presentation in invited, platform and poster formats.  The SPC is chaired by Diana W. Bianchi, MD, Tufts University, and David L. Nelson, PhD, Baylor College of Medicine, and has representation from the genetics community worldwide.

The ICHG leadership considers student support as one of its most important missions. Therefore, students and postdoctoral trainees are especially encouraged to submit their work and to compete in awards programs supported by professional organizations from around the world. Scholarships will also be available to contribute support to human geneticists from developing countries.

Lastly, delegates will enjoy a full social program that will introduce them to the unique environment of Montreal. We hope you will be able to participate in the Congress and look forward to welcoming you to Montreal.  

Sincerely,

Judith G. Hall, MD President International Congress of Human Genetics	Lynn B. Jorde, PhD President American Society of Human Genetics