HUGO's Seventh International Human Genome Meeting, HGM2002, will be held at the Shanghai International Conference Centre from the 14 - 17 April 2002. HGM2002 is specifically designed to update and increase your knowledge of the human genome. Through a stimulating and interesting programme of plenary lectures, symposia, workshops, poster presentations and social events HGM2002 will be an ideal forum for you to share information, and results with scientists and companies from all fields. It is an increasingly exciting time for all scientists working on the Human Genome and HGM2002 will continue promoting international collaboration. Scientific topics will include: Structure and organisation of the human genome, Variation and diversity, Evolution and development, Functional and expression analysis of genes, Medical application and implications, Proteomics, Bioinformatics, New technologies and Socio-ethical and educational Issues. China has been one of the most important locations in the world of Genetics as the Human Genome Sequence has been drafted and the Chinese National Human Genome Centres in Shanghai and Beijing have been highly effective in contributing to the published sequence. Shanghai, situated at the centre of the mainland’s coastline, is an exciting city with a unique culture, which has been dedicated to the quest of learning since earliest times. The colourful festivals and extraordinary customs, culture and architecture dazzle visitors. Visit the Bund for a living exhibition of gothic, baroque, roman, renaissance and Chinese architectural styles. The Bund’s wide embankment is used by locals for morning exercises and in the evening, colourful lights illuminating the area create a shimmering image deserving of the name Pearl of the Orient.