16-20 August 2004
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand
The Fifth Princess Chulabhorn International Science Congress “Evolving Genetics and Its Global Impact” was held in Bangkok, Thailand from August 16 - 20, 2004 to commemorate the sixth cycle (72 years) of the birth of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the auspicious occasion when the people of Thailand celebrate and pay tribute to Her Majesty the Queen. The 21st century marks the progress in the new genomic technologies and the unveiling of the entire human genome which have greatly contributed to developments in health sciences and biotechnology. The Congress will address ways in which the revolution in genetics and its aftermath help to provide opportunities in the study of diseases, the interaction between genes and the environment, and development of biotechnology.
Numerous world-renowned scientists will be attending the meeting. Professor Harold E. Varmus, Nobel Laureate and world leader in cancer research, will present a lecture on the topic of “Genetics and cancer development”.
Harold E. Varmus together with J. Mike Bishop won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1989 for their discovery of the cellular origin of retroviral oncogenes that concerns the identification of a large family of genes which control the normal growth and division of cells. Disturbances in one or some of these so-called oncogenes (Gk ónco(s) bulk, mass) can lead to transformation of a normal cell into a tumor cell and result in cancer.
This Congress is a forum for scientists worldwide to attend and to present their work, at which they will not only get to know one another, to experience and learn state-of-the-art technology but also an opportunity for Thai scientists to keep up with advances in science and technology. The congress will provide a chance for Thai scientists to meet, discuss and exchange research findings and ideas with many of the world’s leading scientists. This is a great opportunity for Thai scientific community to present their works and let the world know about their successes.
If a Conference is held abroad, only a small number of Thai scientists, selected to represent the entire Thai scientific community, will be able to attend. The present Congress will enhance the capability of Thai scientists and strengthen the Thai scientific community to the international level. It is also an opportunity for the congress delegates and accompanying persons to join the celebrations for the sixth cycle of the birth of Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand.
As a scientist, Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn recognizes the importance of science and technology in national development, and with great foresight, established the Chulabhorn Research Institute to support and promote the development of personnel and scientific research, so as to fulfill the urgent needs of the country. To ensure that the Institute fulfilled its objectives most rapidly and efficiently, Her Royal Highness enlisted the cooperation and support of scientists, academics, and administrators from outstanding international organizations, research institutes and educational establishments throughout the world.
To honor these world-renowned individuals or organizations that have provided outstanding support for the activities of the Institute, and that provide important and sustained support for the advancement of science in developing countries, Professor Dr. Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn has established the “Princess Chulabhorn Gold Medal Award”.
The winner of the “Princess Chulabhorn Gold Medal Award” will generally be announced during the Princess Chulabhorn International Science Congress organized by the Institute, where scientists and academics from all over the world gather together, so that the exemplary achievements of the awardee can be widely acknowledged.
The winner of the “Princess Chulabhorn Gold Medal Award” is Professor John M. Essigmann (U.S.A.).