*The relevance of human genomics and bioinformatics for health sciences and the economical development of the BeNeLux and Euregio. * Genomics and bioinformatics event in the Bonnefanten museum in Maastricht on December 14. As a prelude to the annual Benelux Bioinformatics Conference which will be held in Maastricht on December 15 and 16, the Department of Bioinformatics from Maastricht University will organize an open genomics and bioinformatics event in the Bonnefanten Museum on December 14. During this evening the role of genomics and bioinformatics in health research and in the economic developments within the Benelux and the Euregio will be addressed. Bioinformatics is an emerging research field which forms the link between computer science, biomedical sciences and modern genomics research technology. We expect that this evening will not only lead to vivid discussions but will also serve as a meeting moment between conference participants, health scientist from the region and people involved in local economic developments. *Program December 14th* 17:00 Coffee/tea with cake at the aula of the Bonnefanten museum. 17:30 Opening by Dr. Chris Evelo, head of the department of Bioinformatics, Maastricht University, the Netherlands. 17:35 Welcome and introduction on behalf of Maastricht University, speaker to be announced. 17:45 Welcome by Marc Croijmans, delegate of the Maastricht municipal discussing the position of Life-Sciences in Maastricht and the Euregio. 18:00 Presentation given by Dr. Colja Laane, head of the Netherlands Genomics Initiative (NGI) and science director at DSM. 19:00 Discussion related to the theme of the presentation 19:45-22:00 Drinks and tapas at the conference location For more information about the program and venue location see http://www.nbic.nl/bbc2008/SundayEveningEvent/. To register please send an email to bbc2008@bigcat.unimaas.nl. I hope to welcome you at the Bonnefanten Museum in Maastricht on December 14th. Dr. Chris Evelo (Head of the department of Bioinformatics) Bioinformatics-BiGCaT The event is sponsored by:. Maastricht University the Maastricht municipality P.O. Box 616 6200 MD Maastricht Main Sponsors for the Benelux Bioinformatics the Netherlands. Conference as a whole are: T: +31(0)43-3881231 Universiteits fonds Limburg (SWOL), Netherlands E: chris.evelo@bigcat.unimaas.nl Bioinformatics Center (NBIC), KNAW, NWOW: www.bigcat.unimaas.nl