This conference will have a large proportion of veterinarians. We are united with physicians and other researchers by our interest in where blood cells come from, how they are formed, and what makes them work correctly. This knowledge is essential to understanding conditions such as anemias that come from blood cell derangements. An unusual aspect of the conferences is the prohibition on printed reference to the conference papers and discussions. Speakers may publish their papers but may not mention that they were presented at the conference.
All discussions are informal and off the record to encourage information sharing.
Kaneko and Becker hope to attract the maximum number of scientists permitted to the conference, which is 130 to 135. The ideal applicant will be deeply involved in hematopoiesis research and be committed to meaningful participation in the discussions. Response to the 1999 conference will determine whether the GRC board of trustees continues the hematopoiesis series. Dr. Kaneko hopes to reconvene the event every other year. This inaugural conference could be a springboard, Dr. Kaneko agreed.