The Human Proteome Organization (HUPO) is an international consortium of national proteomics research associations, government researchers, academic institutions, and industry partners. The organization was founded in June 2001 and it promotes the development and awareness of proteomics research, advocates on behalf of proteomics researchers throughout the world, and facilitates scientific collaborations between members and initiatives. Ultimately, it is organized to gain a better and more complete understanding of the human proteome.