Dear Members,

A new year has started, and we have planned a series of activities for you!

One of the highlights this year is the 4th International UPPSALA conference on Electron Capture and Transfer Dissociation Mass Spectrometry to be held on 12-15 December 2006. Electron capture dissociation (ECD) and electron transfer dissociation (ETD) are two important tandem mass spectrometry methods for protein sequencing, detection and characterization of post-translational modifications of proteins. This annual conference has an objective to provide a meeting place for scientists to publish their first-hand results and to exchange their views and ideas on the scientific development of the electron capture and electron transfer dissociation mass spectrometry. Through conference seminars and informal scientific discussion, it is hoped that more collaborative research would be established. For details of the conference, please visit http://www.chem.cuhk.edu.hk/uppconIV/main.htm

Hong Kong Society of Mass Spectrometry is one of the sponsors of the UPPSALA conference. HKSMS members can register for the full program with a discounted price of USD 250 (HKD 1950) before 15 October 2006 (Normal fee is USD 500). The completed registration form, together with payment, should reach Dr. April Wong, c/o Racing Laboratory, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, N.T. by the same deadline.

In order for the society's council to serve you better, it is of paramount importance that your contact information with the society is kept up-to-date so that any future communications can reach you timely. I therefore strongly urge you to complete the "membership information update form" enclosed and fax it to Dr. April SY Wong (Hon. Secretary, HKSMS) at 2601 6564. A 'NIL' return is highly appreciated even if there is no change to your membership information.

If you have any enquiries regarding the materials in this communication, please feel free to call our Hon. Secretary, Dr April SY Wong, at 2966 5055 during office hours. Alternatively, you can send your enquiries via Email to info@hksms.com.

I look forward to seeing you at the HKSMS activities in the coming year.

Yours sincerely,

David Leung
President, HKSMS