Document 3eEeMGJenZVER6VLaYVm9N1V6

DRAFT Welcoming Remarks 2004 Annual Meeting SHS - Asilomar We have made a great deal of progress over the past twelve months and I believe it is part of our "mission" here at Asilomar to take the time to step back and celebrate our successes. But, of course there is still much to be done so I hope that we can also take advantage of this opportunity to build on that progress and success, to learn about where the project stands and to gain a bit of insight into the future of this important work. Last year's meeting proved to be an invaluable opportunity for us to meet face-to-face to openly exchange information and ideas and ask questions about the progress of the project and the future of the Study. The extent of the information-sharing, cooperation and mutual respect we have experienced at all levels, has demonstrated the real strength of this effort - the strong collaborative relationships that have developed among the researchers, the Scientific Review Panel, the Ethics Review Panel and the industry sponsors. The strength of these relationships and our mutual commitment to the scientific 3 SH ELL-MCCLU RG-059620