welcome Dear Colleagues, On behalf of the organising committee, I would like to welcome you to the 2nd International University of Malaya Research Imaging Symposium (UMRIS) 2005 which is being organised by the University of Malaya Research Imaging Centre. The theme of this year's symposium is "Fundamentals of Molecular Imaging - for Tomorrow's Practice". We have assembled a very comprehensive programme that will cover the essentials of molecular imaging from understanding the basics of DNA, genes and proteomics to new approaches in the development of newer contrast agents to demonstrate disease at the earliest stages. These topics will be covered by the eminent speakers in their respective fields led by Dr King Li from the National Institute of Health, Bethesda, USA. It is hoped that this meeting will expose all doctors and allied health professionals in the potential areas for collaborative research and applications generated by this new area of imaging. We hope that you will be able to join us in this unique meeting organised for the first time in Asia. This meeting is one that is not to be missed. Be sure to keep abreast with this exciting area of biomedical imaging. We look forward to seeing you in Kuala Lumpur in July 2005. Basri Johan Jeet Abdullah Chairman Organising Committee UMRIS 2005 basrij@um.edu.my