The best of Genetics was celebrated at the GSA2004 conference in Melbourne. The scientific program reflected the diversity and quality of genetics research conducted in Australia and New Zealand. The four invited international speakers - Nancy Bonini, Martin Kreitman, Kevin Struhl and Alan Templeton gave outstanding talks as did the invited local speakers. In total there were 106 talks and 66 poster presentations. A copy of the abstract volume can be downloaded here.

Half of the presentations were made by students, including undergraduates. With the support of its sponsors, GSA was able to continue its tradition of encouraging student participation through student awards. The organizers of GSA2004 enthusiastically thank the sponsors and exhibitors for their strong support of the meeting and call upon members of the genetics community to consider reciprocating this support in making their purchasing decisions.

GSA2004 was well covered by the media. Some stories are still being written and will appear in the coming months.

At GSA2004 the Genetics Society of Australia resolved to change its name to the Genetics Society of AustralAsia embodying a commitment to engage with the strong genetics communities in New Zealand and Asia. Consistent with the objective, GSA2005 will be held in Auckland, New Zealand in association with the international Molecular Biology and Evolution Conference. GSA2006 will be held in association with the International Congress of Human Genetics in Brisbane.