10/24/2008

More than 300 entrepreneurs, researchers and businesses from across Nebraska will participate in the 4th annual Research and Innovation Conference at the Cornhusker Marriott Hotel in Lincoln Oct. 28. Co-sponsored by the University of Nebraska, BioNebraska and ESPCoR Nebraska (a research and education program of the National Science Foundation), the conference features a keynote address by Stan Lapidus, a life sciences entrepreneur and chairman of Helicos Biosciences of Cambridge, Mass. The program runs from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; a complete schedule can be accessed here.

The conference serves as a showcase for new research in engineering and science, and is designed to give researchers and business leaders a forum in which to exchange ideas and explore potential collaborations. The theme this year is "Investing in Talent-Driven Innovation" and many sessions relate to the management of human resources.

Other speakers for the morning session include Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman, University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken, State Senator and Speaker of the Legislature Mike Flood, Nancee Berger, president of Omaha-based West Corporation; Doug Rath, president of Lincoln-based Talent Plus; Henry Blount, head of the national EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) program; and Tim Fitzsimmons of the US Department of Energy.

The afternoon session consists of six concurrent tracks in bioinformatics, biomechanics, the interface of engineering and biology, building and developing talent and teams, entrepreneurship, and partnerships for research collaboration and technology transfer. At 4:30 p.m., a poster session and networking reception will be held.

Media representatives are welcome to attend all sessions. To arrange interviews with any of the speakers, please contact Sharon Stephan at (402) 472 7554 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .