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The "First Annual Symposium Protein Society of Thailand: Challenges in Protein Research in Thailand" is and important occasion, since it the first meetiing of the society. The meeting is jointly hosted by the Center for Protein Structure and Function and Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, together with the Laboratory of Biochemistry, Chulabhorn Research Institute. However, it is the third meeting in the series held exclusively on proteins and protein technologies to be held in Thailand, with the previous Protein Network Symposia being held in 2001 and 2005 respectively. The popularity of the two meetings showed that many researchers in Thailand were interested in protein science. As a result, a small group formed the Protein Society of Thailand (see the society's website: http://cbag2.sc.mahidol.ac.th/protein/ for additional information) in January 2006. A key element in the society from the start was the involvement of equipment and supplies companies as supporting members, so that protein science in Thailand could grow through the cooperation of protein scientists and companies doing business in protein technologies. The present meeting aims to stimulate exchange of knowledge, experience, and technical know-how between scientists of all interests and expertise, who are actively engaged in protein research in Thialand. We have an interesting program, covering a broad range of topics in protein research. This includes 3 Keynote Lectures (two from overseas speakers), 10 Invited Lectures (1 from an overseas speaker), 7 Oral Presentations, 2 Luncheon Lectures, and 65 Poster Presentations. The meeting continues to place emphasis on giving young scientists, at postdoctoral and predoctoral level, with the opportunity to make oral presentations. In addition, there are equipment exhibitions by several companies, as well as a Poster Competition. The Organizing Committee thanks all these speakers and poster presenters, as well as the 300 registered participants for their interest. We are also grateful to the Chulabhorn Research Institute, Thailand Research Fund, Mahidol University, and various companies for their support. I also wish like to thank the members of the Organizing Committee, and those who have helped to arrange this meeting for their assistance. I sincerely hope that you will find this meetiing enjoyable and beneficial to your research. Professor M.R. Jisnuson Svasti |