World's Top Forensic Genetic Investigators Gather in Zagreb

Zagreb, September 5, 2003 - The Third European-American School in Forensic Genetics and Mayo Clinic Course in Advanced Molecular Medicine took place in Zagreb this year, beginning on September 1. Following two immensely successful programs in 1997 and 2001, this year’s five day event offered the opportunity for the world’s premier scientists to exchange cutting edge technology and information in clinical and forensic genetics.

Speakers included leaders in the fields of forensic genetics, as well as cellular and molecular medicine.  Representatives from George Washington University, Stanford Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Mayo Clinic, UCONN School of Medicine, Israeli Hadassah Hospital, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Army, University of London and numerous U.S. law enforcement agencies are only a small sample of the group.  The Cellular and Molecular Medicine program is chaired by the distinguished Croatian scientist Dr. Stanimir Vuk-Pavlovic of the Mayo Clinic.  The past two programs boasted a cumulative attendance of more than 800 people from 62 countries, which is indicative of the attendance at this year’s event.

This five days program is unique because it marries the two distinct yet complementary fields of forensic genetics and molecular medicine.  Clinical programs and discussions included gene therapy, molecular diagnosis, pharmacogenetics, transplantation medicine, and bioethics.  Many of the plenary talks and selected papers will be published in the Croatian Medical Journal. 

Additionally, the Croatian Society of Human Genetics held its Third Congress in conjunction with the program on September 3-5.  Also, members of Croatian Society of Medical Biochemists held meeting.

Croatia has four forensic laboratories, and the Croatian organizers of this year’s event hope it will further their goal to include DNA analysis in the Croatian judiciary system.  Indeed, Croatia has embraced this new realm of biotechnology with great enthusiasm.

Upon his attendance at the opening ceremonies, Croatian Ambassador to the United States, Dr. Ivan Grdesic explained, “I am pleased to be here, to see Zagreb hosting such a significant, forward-looking conference.  I am convinced that Croatia has the potential needed to open a first-rate regional forensics school.”

For more information: http://www.european-americangeneticsmeetings.org