Genetic Analysis Workshop 15: gene expression analysis and approaches to detecting multiple functional loci

This issue of BMC Proceedings contains the proceedings of Genetic Analysis Workshop (GAW) 15, which was held November 11–15, 2006, in St. Pete Beach, Florida, USA. The GAWs began in 1982 and are now held in even-numbered years. They provide a forum for investigators interested in identifying genetic effects on complex diseases to evaluate and compare novel and existing statistical methods. The purpose of these Workshops is to allow the comparison of statistical methodologies for genetic epidemiology using common, well described data sets. Prior to each GAW, topics are chosen, one or more existing data sets are selected, and a set of simulated data is created that permits investigation of current questions of broad interest in statistical genetics. These data are made available to any scientist who requests them, and their analyses of these data are presented at the Workshop. Participation in the Workshop is open to anyone who submits an analysis of one of these data sets, provides data, or participates in Workshop organization. More information about GAW, including details of upcoming Workshops, may be found at http://www.gaworkshop.org