ACADEMIA

The Greater Philadelphia Bioinformatics Alliance (GPBA) today announced open registration for the Virtual Institute Summer Session 2005. Expanded from 2004’s successful five-week course series to a seven-week series, the 2005 Summer Session includes tracks in Pharmacogenomics, Modeling in Systems Biology, Bioinformatics Databases and Biomolecular Networks, and more. The courses are taught by a diverse group active in advancing the field of bioinformatics from area universities, medical research centers and industry. The quality and rigor of Virtual Institute course offerings have been vetted by GPBA member institutions and member universities will grant degree credits to students completing the course series. Summer Session courses will also benefit industry professionals interested in advancing their knowledge of the latest developments in life sciences discovery and development tools. Where to Register: Information about course details and application forms can be accessed at http://www.gpba-bio.com/. The full 2005 summer course list includes: -- Introduction to Molecular Systems Biology May 30 - June 3 -- Modeling in Systems Biology May 30 - June 3 -- Microarrays and Differential Gene Expression June 6 - June 10 -- Pharmacogenomics June 13 - June 17 -- Biostatistics, Clustering, and Classification June 20 - June 24 -- Bioinformatics Databases and Biomolecular Networks June 27 - July 1 -- Integrative Biology Research in Philadelphia July 5 - July 8 -- Proteomics July 11 - July 15 The application deadline is April 15, 2005 and classes begin on May 30, 2005. Who Should Attend? Courses will enroll a mix of professionals from the life sciences industry and academic researchers (ranging from advanced undergraduates through post-doc students.) Bioinformatics education and training programs are crucial to the development of a cutting-edge life sciences work force. A strong workforce, in turn, is critical for the vitality of the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. The Virtual Institute program assembles top educators from a cross-section of prominent academic and research institutions to deliver intensive courses in the leading life sciences tools and techniques. The Virtual Institute Summer Session educates scientists in advanced life sciences research tools and helps participants form personal and professional networks in the life sciences industry. Admissions to the program will be overseen by a committee formed by the GPBA member institutions.