Rapid advances in medicine in general, and genetic research in particular, has led to the development of a chasm between new discoveries and the translation of these to public health benefits.

Genes for Health 2009 represents a synergistic collaboration between the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA), an organisation dedicated to genetic and clinical sciences, and the Genome based Research and Population Health International network (GRaPH-Int), a global enterprise that aims to help transform knowledge and technologies into public policies, programs and services for public health benefits. Genes for Health is GRaPH-Int's inaugural conference and we are tremendously excited at the opportunity to combine this landmark event with HGSA's 33rd annual scientific meeting.

Genes for Health 2009 will accommodate a broad range of interests including basic genetic science, clinical genetics and genetic counseling, genetics education, genetic epidemiology, bioinformatics, social science, bioethics and health policy.

We hope to see you there for a stimulating and thought-provoking scientific event.

• Professor Mohamed Karmali - Executive Director GRaPH-Int
• Professor Jon Emery - Chair, Local Organising Committee
• Professor Peter O'Leary - Chair, Local Organising Committee

This meeting is proudly sponsored by the University of Western Australia, Curtin University of Technology and the Edith Cowan University