World Soybean Research Conference VIII (WSRC VIII) will be held in Beijing, China on August 10～15, 2009. Hosted by the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Crop Science Society of China, and organized by Institute of Crop Sciences of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, WSRC VIII will cover the following scientific topics: soybean germplasm, genetics and breeding, molecular biology and biotechnology, physiology and crop management, crop protection, soybean storage and processing, soybean product and use, and global demand / trade/strategy. The theme of WSRC VIII is “Developing a Global Soy Blueprint for a Safe, Secure, and Sustainable Supply”. Since being launched by the University of Illinois in 1975, six WSRCs have been held in the US (1979, 1984, 1999), Argentina (1989), Thailand (1994) and Brazil (2004). WSRC VIII is the first of its kind ever convened in China, the home of soybean. As always, WSRC VIII will provide a forum for the world’s soybean colleagues to share the updated information in all aspects related to soybean. Leaders of soybean industry and policy makers will attend to know the latest research results and exchange information on soybean production, processing, and various areas of utilization, and in marketing and trade. An exhibition will be part of the conference activities where major companies, commodity groups, governmental organizations, and producer groups can display their products / services to all the participants who are expected to attend. WSRC VIII organizing committee warmly welcome everyone involved in soybeans research and industry to join us in making WSRC VIII the most successful conference.