Dear Colleague: I am very pleased to tell you that we have established the International Society of Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics (ISNN). The founding Executive Officers are Artemis P. Simopoulos, M.D. (USA), President; Raffaele De Caterina, M.D., Ph.D. (Italy), Vice President; Philippa J. Talmud, Ph.D. (UK), Secretary; and Jose Ordovas, Ph.D. (USA), Treasurer. It is the purpose of the Society to increase understanding through research and education of professionals and the general public of the role of genetic variation and dietary response and the role of nutrients in gene expression. The Aims of the Society shall be achieved through: a. promoting research on the role of genetic variation and dietary response and the role of nutrients in gene expression; b. defining the relationship between genes and nutrients from basic biology to clinical states. This encompasses the areas of (1) genetic variation and dietary response, (2) nutrients in gene expression, and (3) the role of genes in the determination of nutritional requirements; c. establishing a Network of Centers on Genetics, Nutrition and Health worldwide; d. encouraging the development of programs for genetics and nutrition in departments of nutrition and genetics, and in schools of public health and medicine; e. serving as a clearing-house for the media in disseminating facts regarding the role of genetic variation and dietary response and the role of nutrients in gene expression; f. educating professionals and the public about the role of genetic variation and dietary response and the role of nutrients in gene expression; g. sponsoring regional and international meetings; and h. linking with other organizations which are national, regional or international, and joining efforts to promote the aims of the Society. The Society is educational in its mission to serve as a focus for communicating among interested scientists working in nutrition, genetics, cellular and molecular biology, physiology, pathology, biochemistry, clinical medicine, and public health - who are studying the role of genetic variation and dietary response and the role of nutrients in gene expression. It is believed that improved communication across these different branches of medical and biological sciences will stimulate new research and increase knowledge of gene-nutrient interactions and genetic variation and dietary response. The Society will assist in interpreting the new facts into sound nutritional advice for the public. As needed, the Society will establish committees to handle scientific and educational aspects. With warmest personal regards Artemis P. Simopoulos, MD President, International Society of Nutrigenetics/Nutrigenomics
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