The Helene Harris Memorial Trust has become recognized as providing one of the most important international fora for the presentation of research in ovarian cancer. Four biennial meetings have taken place, the most recent of which was held between May 11-14, 1993, in Toronto, Canada. This forum has grown in stature from its inception in 1987 and has brought together interdisciplinary clinical and scientific researchers from around the world who are endeavouring to perform ‘cutting edge’ studies in the field. The assembled group of presti gious investigators met on this occasion to present their data, to exchange ideas, and to arrange collaborations with the goal of developing new means of detection, treatment and cure of ovarian cancer. The incentive for the establishment of the Trust and its international forum was the prema ture loss through ovarian cancer of Helene Harris, the wife of Mr John Harris. Mr Harris and the Trustees looked for a meaningful way to honour the memory of Helene and to advance the noble cause of gaining an increase in the scientific knowledge of the subject. For those of us who spend most of our waking hours assisting patients and their families who are devastated by this disease, the Trust’s generosity provides inspiration, hope and the opportunity for their practical application in a unique professional forum.