The Woolcock Institute of Medical Research is very pleased to announce that it will be represented in China by Prof. Fu-Qiang Wen, who will have an office located at West China Hospital.  Prof. Norbert Berend, Research Director, will officially open the office during a visit in early March.  The Woolcock now has the ability to run clinical trials and research projects in China.  Prof. Wen is currently the Professor and Chairman of the Department of Respiratory Medicine for West China Hospital, West China School of Medicine and Sichuan University, all located in Chengdu, Sichuan.  The hospital is the largest in the world, with very modern facilities and highly qualified and trained staff.  The association provides the Woolcock Institute access to large patient populations, across many respiratory and sleep diseases, not seen in Australia.  Prof. Wen’s leadership in China increases our ability to participate in studies on a world scale, combining the world leading expertise of senior Woolcock Institute researchers with size and enthusiasm of our Chinese associates.  This has already been demonstrated through a small study initiated in December 2009.  It is expected that Prof. Wen and Woolcock Institute researchers will keep up regular visits between Australia and China to ensure a free flow of ideas.  This initiative should be embraced by all Woolcock Institute staff and supporters as the first step in our next growth phase.