The ethics and ownership of human genetic research will be the topic of two major meetings in Canberra this week.

The Human Genome Organisation (HUGO) is holding the Second International Human Genome Summit at Rydge's Capital Hill Hotel, Canberra, on Thursday and Friday 17-18 October.

Media are welcome to the first session of the Summit (08.45 - 10.00 am). This will be opened by the Minister for Health, Dr Michael Wooldridge, who will be followed by Dr David Cox of Stanford Human Genome Center (Calif.) on the current status of the Human Genome Project.

A National Science Briefing will be held in Parliament House on Thursday 17 October to coincide with the Summit, on the topic 'Human genes - the next superindustry?'. This will be opened by the Minister for Science Mr Peter McGauran, with speakers including Professor Grant Sutherland, President of HUGO, and CSIRO's Dr Jim Peacock. Media are welcome to the National Science Briefing (12.30 - 1.50 pm, Rm 2S1).

"The Human Genome Project is the world's largest experiment in human biology," says Professor Sutherland, who is Head of the Department of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics at the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide.

"The Project has reached its sixth anniversary this year, and has generated international enthusiasm in the scientific community.

"It is expected to yield vast insights into human genetic structure, with implications for medicine, agriculture and industry, as well as ethical issues," said Professor Sutherland.

"This major international conference brings together in Australia not only the world's leading scientists in the area, but also representatives from many developing countries who anticipate using the outcomes of the Human Genome Project," said Professor Sutherland.

information from: Ms Helen Whiteread 06-2953144