ASTRONOMY

Agenda highlights include presentations by Top Pharmas (Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, GSK), leading Life Sciences software vendors (Accelrys, Schrodinger, Tripos), analysts (Gartner, 451 Group) and industry experts (HP, Institute for Systems Biology, Global Medical Forum Foundation). Other highlights include a state-of-the-art Demo Floor depicting an actual Pharma Grid, operating by business unit and geography. The Demo Floor will run 10-plus Grid-enabled applications on hardware provided by HP and IBM. "Senior IT and Pharma executives, scientists and researchers with major life science companies and related organizations could not ask for a more focused conference to learn about strategies relevant to their needs," said Manuel Peitsch, global head of informatics & knowledge management at Novartis. "This will be a venue where attendees can interact with experts who have used grid computing and are experiencing its quantifiable value." "This is the first time a conference has presented so many actual users talking about their experiences with Grid," said Lionel Binns, manager of the Life Science Program Office at HP, the conference Platinum sponsor. "Finally, the technology has matured to the point where customers are able to speak from months, even years, of experience about the value grid is delivering. As a long time supporter of Grid technology, HP is proud to be leading the field in support of this conference." Analysts will be eligible to pre-register for the full conference. The registration fee will be waived by the show organizers. Contact Mary Bass at (512) 692-4118 for more information. Keynote Addresses: Manuel Peitsch, Novartis; David Neilson, Johnson & Johnson Speakers: GSK, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, HP, Accelrys, Schrodinger, Tripos, Gartner, The 451 Group, Global Medical Forum Foundation, Institute for Systems Biology, Children's Memorial Hospital, University of Basel. Who should attend: C-level Executives, IT Managers and End User of Life Science Applications. When: Feb. 21 - 22. Where: Zurich Marriott in Zurich, Switzerland. Why: To learn about Grid computing from leading life sciences users, ISV's, hardware vendors and industry experts. How: To register or for more information, see: https://www.ud.com/contact/registration.htm. Media: Executives will be available for interviews to discuss key topics around Grid Computing for Life Sciences.