After close monitoring of the global risk assessment by the World Health Organization of the COVID-19 pandemic, on behalf of the HUPO Executive Committee, Swedish Proteomics Society, Swedish Pharmaceutical Society and the HUPO 2020 Local Organizing Committee, we wish to share with you that the HUPO 2020 World Congress (HUPO 2020), originally scheduled on October 18-22, 2020 in Stockholm, Sweden will be postponed to October 24-28, 2021.

The postponement was based on multiple factors, including but not limited to, the current travel restrictions put in place and, importantly, the toll currently being placed on our health care community. These restrictions significantly affect the ability of delegates, speakers, presenters and exhibitors to participate fully in HUPO 2020. This decision also underlines our commitment to containing the virus and preventing further sickness and loss of life, as per WHO recommendations.

Although the postponement comes as a great disappointment, we are ready to embrace the challenge! We want to ensure you stay connected with what's happening in proteomics which is why our team is excited to announce the first-ever international HUPO virtual experience! We will be providing a series of virtual meetings in fall of 2020 which amongst the sessions planned will include one to highlight the role of proteomics in tackling many key aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to the rapidly evolving nature of the pandemic, we invite all delegates and industry partners to read our FAQsand monitor your emails, as well as the congress website, for specific information on the new Congress timeline.

In the meantime, please stay safe and healthy.

Stephen Pennington, HUPO President