Prediction Learnings
DREAM Project Vision Expands
By John Russell

Almost exactly three years ago, organizers of DREAM -- Dialogue on Reverse Engineering Assessments and Methods -- sketched an ambitious plan help improve network predictions (inferences) in life science. The plans was to conduct a yearly DREAM challenge with blinded data sets; invite predictions; hold a conference to discuss results;  build a repository of better methods for network inferencing; and foster ongoing dialogue among computational biologists seeking to develop and use these tools.

So how's it going?

"I wonder that same thing every day," says Gustavo Stolovitzky, modestly, one of DREAM's founding organizers.

No doubt more could be done, but much has been done. Two sets of challenges, DREAM2 and DREAM3, have been conducted. Many of the lessons learned are contained in a text just published in March, *The Challenges of Systems Biology: Community Efforts to Harness Biological Complexity, representing work by two community efforts: the European Network of Excellence (ENFIN) and the DREAM project. It contains a section on DREAM2. More.

The Bourne Commendation: Open Access Evangelist Wins 2009 Benjamin Franklin Award
By Kevin Davies

Australian open-access evangelist Philip Bourne, a prolific computational biologist at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), has beaten out stiff competition to win the 2009 Benjamin Franklin Award.

The annual award, presented by the Bioinformatics Organization, is given to a scientist who epitomizes the open-source values espoused by the legendary inventor and statesman. Bourne will be presented with his award by Jeff Bizzaro, president of Bioinformatics.org, at the 2009 Bio-IT World Conference & Expo in Boston on Tuesday, April 28. More.

Mark Boguski's Search for Resounding Health
.

Bio-IT World Expo Bound for Europe and Biotechnica

The Bio-IT World Conference will make its long-awaited European debut in Hannover, Germany, in conjunction with Biotechnica 2009 this October 6-8, thanks to a new partnership between Cambridge Healthtech Institute (CHI) and Deutsche Messe.

The initiative is the result of a new partnership between Bio-IT World’s parent organization, Cambridge Healthtech Institute (CHI), and Deutsche Messe, to organize and host two major life science conferences at Biotechnica 2009, which takes place in Hannover, Germany, October 6-8, 2009. The other conference being held is the Protein Engineering Summit (PEGS) Europe. More.

Top Story Last Issue
Monitoring Merrimack's Marathon Run
By John Russell

Merrimack Pharmaceuticals is frequently seen as a poster child for the systems biology approach to drug discovery. Founded in 2000, it has made few missteps. Last spring, Cambridge, Mass-based Merrimack had the good fortune to raise $65 million in a series F financing round before the economy soured. In July, the company's first compound developed using its systems biology approach, MM121 (oncology), entered Phase One. More.

LIFE SCIENCE JOBS

Biotechnology Information Management team
Seeks an individual to strategically lead and drive solutions for data management needs stemming from external scientific collaborations.  MS in Biology, Bioinformatics, Computer Science, etc. required.  Applications must be submitted at www.monsanto.com for consideration. Select req # mons-00010265.  We offer very competitive salaries and an extensive benefits package.   Monsanto values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V

Support Engineer
Titian leads the industry in the supply of software that empowers customers in the management of their scientific samples.  Located in Hopkinton, Massachusetts, this position is responsible for the resolution of customer support issues. Candidates should hold a 4 year degree, have a technical background in software or research informatics, have 4+years of experience supporting data management and software solutions, and be proficient in C#.NET, VB6, PL/SQL, ASP. For additional information on this position and our company, visit our website at www.titian.co.uk. To apply, email resume and salary history to jobs@titian.co.uk.

To have your job openings featured here, contact Lynn Cloonan for more information.

SPONSORED LINKS

Cloud Computing is changing Pharmaceutical IT - Free white paper

Managing Next-Generation Sequencing Data-Podcast!

LIMS for Enhanced Productivity

Novoseek, the biomedical search engine based in text mining technology.

Electronic Notebook: Streamline experimental IP; capture and re-use data; enhance collaboration. 

To have your product or service featured here, contact Lynn Cloonan  for more information.

Insight Pharma Reports

Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing: Business Prospects in the United States 
Author: Kathie L. Wrick, Ph.D 

Genetic testing has come a long way since the development of the first genetic test in 1963. According to NIH, almost 1,500 genetic tests are now in use. This report focuses on health-related decision making applications of DTC genetic tests and examines various components of this emerging business environment. Read more.

FEATURED EVENTS

Bio-IT World Conference & Expo -- April 27-29, 2009  

BIO IT Coalition's 8th annual Conference - April 22, 2009 

Combining Technology and PK/PD Expertise to Optimize Drug Development: A New Era for Collaborative Environments in Translational Medicine- Wednesday, April 22nd

REGISTER TODAY, April 28-29, 2009, The Post-Approval Summit 

The 2009 BIO International Convention has you covered - May 18-21, 2009

Barnett Educational Services 

Cambridge Healthtech Events 

To have your event featured here, contact Lynn Cloonan for more information.