Vol. 19, No. 28

April 20, 2000

Scientists, engineers, academics to network May 3 at UD

On May 3, scientists and engineers from industry and academia will gather at the Trabant University Center for the PSI Conference (a.k.a. Problems, Solutions & Innovations Conference), a brainchild of the Delaware Economic Development Office and Delaware's five Advanced Technology Centers. Designed to catalyze collaborations in the biotechnology, information technology and advanced materials fields, this one-day conference, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., will feature speakers who have been involved in taking a concept and working through all the necessary steps to turn it into a successful business. Such business development involves not only the scientific research, but also legal, intellectual property and financial/venture capital issues. What makes this conference special is that all of that expertise will be represented– and will be a continuing resource once the scientific collaborations have been formed. Joseph K. Lees of the University of Delaware Research Institute said, "The PSI Conference presents a unique opportunity for faculty and students to meet with representatives of both large and small companies in the area, as well as providing an opportunity for them to better understand how to get their technology into the commercial arena or get projects funded." The morning plenary session will provide an overview of the essential steps for turning "ideas to dollars." Featured speakers will be Michael Bowman, chairman and president of the Delaware Technology Park; Randolph Guschl, director of the Center for Collaborative Research and Education for the DuPont Co.; and Barry Marrs, director of research at Hercules. Those attending the morning and afternoon "Ideas to Dollars" break-out sessions will hear about the experiences of Robert Henn, director of research at W. L. Gore & Associates; David Weir, director of the Delaware Biotechnology Institute; and Richard Birkmeyer, president and CEO of Strategic Diagnostics–all relating biotechnology experiences; from Ty Austin, CEO of NETeXc Information Systems; Scott Reynolds of J.P. Morgan; Peter DeYoe, director of solution development for Computer Aid Inc.; and Ray Manza of Intralinks–all describing the information technology arena; and from James Rand, vice president of advanced engineering at AstroPower; Richard Wool, president of Cara Plastics (and a member of UD's chemical engineering faculty); Stuart Nemser, president of Compact Membrane Systems; and Harald Eifert, executive director of Fraunhofer USA–all sharing their experiences in advanced materials businesses. Other important resources available to conference attendees will be the impressive groups of panelists present at each "Ideas to Dollars" session, as well as numerous exhibits. Additional conference information is available on the web at [www.state.de.us/ dedo/psi.htm]. Cost of the conference is $10 for students and $20 for full-time faculty members. Registration is due by April 26. For additional information, call 831-2401.