As the Chair, it is my great honour and pleasure to invite you to the 13th International Biotechnology Symposium (IBS) and Exhibition, which will be held from October 12 to October 17, 2008 in Dalian, the most beautiful coastal city in Northeast China, only one-hour by plane from Beijing.

Organized under the auspices of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), IBS, which is held every four years on a different continent, is recognized as the premier international conference in the rapidly growing field of biotechnology. The mission of the IBS is to promote R&D in all aspects of basic and applied biotechnology. The history of IBS dates back to 1960. For the first time the IBS will be held in China with the fastest growing economy in the world.

Our society is facing unprecedented challenges including resources shortage, environmental deterioration, biodiversity loss, and economic and social imbalances. The overall theme of IBS 2008 is "Biotechnology for the Sustainability of Human Society". Nine theme areas covering all aspects of biotechnology will be arranged, including: 1) Systems Biology, 2) Tissue Engineering and Cell Cultivation, 3) Medical Biotechnology, 4) Agricultural Biotechnology, 5) Industrial Biotechnology, 6) Marine Biotechnology, 7) Environmental Biotechnology, 8) Food Biotechnology, and 9) Biosafety and Bioeconomy.

IBS 2008 will be designed to offer a unique opportunity not only to take a critical examination of the milestone achievements in biotechnology but more significantly, to discuss how biotechnology can contribute to global sustainability in the 21st century. The program will feature contributions from both established and young scientists and engineers, and will provide a platform for representatives from all over the world.

Participants can also take the advantage of a technical exhibition that will be held in conjunction with the symposium. IBS 2008 will not only be a time for thought-provoking discussions, but also a time to enjoy China. Social programs will feature unique attractions in Beijing, Xi'an, and Dalian, with a focus on Chinese history, cultures, natural scenes, modernizations, and cuisine. Hopefully, visits to the 2008 Olympic sites will also be possible.

We are confident that this event will bring together scientists, engineers, business leaders and government officials to foster and enhance collaborative contacts, and to exchange information in the many interdisciplinary areas of modern biotechnology. We look forward to welcoming you to Dalian in October 2008!

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLS LOOK THROUGH WEBSITE:www.ibs2008.org