On behalf of the organizing committee and executive committee of the 43rd International Symposium on Nucleic Acids Chemistry (ISNAC2016), I cordially invite you to attend ISNAC2016, which will be held during September 27 (Tue) –29 (Thu), 2016 at Kumamoto Shintoshin Plaza, Kumamoto City, Japan.

Kumamoto City is located in the center of Kyushu Island, which is southernmost of the main four islands of Japan. It has a long history and is known as a "City of Forests" since it is blessed with an abundance of nature. Besides, you can enjoy the beauty of the classical Japanese-style gardens known as Suizenji Park and the majesty of the 400-year-old Kumamoto Castle in the heart of the city. Moreover, Kumamoto City will make you feel refreshed thanks to the crystal clear water, clean air and delicious food that its plentiful natural surroundings provide. It is our hope and belief that you will have a wonderful time.

This symposium started in 1973 as an annual domestic meeting of nucleic acid chemists in Japan, and became an international symposium in 2005 having invited nucleic acid chemists from all over the world. Nowadays, ISNAC is one of the biggest and most active symposiums of bio-related chemistry in the world. ISNAC covers divers aspects of genetic technology, molecular biology, nanobiotechnology, and therapeutic and diagnostic applications of these fields as well as nucleic acid chemistry. It is a great honor for us to host ISNAC2016 in Kumamoto. I’m sure we can arrange an exciting scientific program with excellent speakers invited from around the world.

Again, we extend cordial welcome to all of the students and researchers engaged in the research fields mentioned above in academia and industry. We are very much looking forward to seeing all of you in Kumamoto.