2004 event will provide a key forum for the presentation of the latest enabling automation technologies and applications currently, or soon to be, facilitating the drug discovery process
The expert-led Lab Automation Europe 2004 conference is set to build on the success of last year's inaugural conference, says the organiser.
It is again affiliated to industry focused exhibitions Lab Automation Europe and International Biotech.
Entitled 'New Automation Processes in Drug Discovery', the conference's comprehensive programme for 2004 has been developed by a Scientific Steering Committee which has drawn on its considerable knowledge of hot topics and issues in lab automation.
Day one, focusing on 'Automating compound synthesis to analysis', will be introduced by keynote speaker and robotics expert Prof Ken Young of Warwick University.
The second day will provide an insight into 'Automating protein and cell analysis', with a keynote speech on the use of nanotechnology in drug discovery to be given by Al Kolb of KeyTech Solutions.
Dr Kolb observes: "Miniaturisation and automation in drug discovery have led to tremendous savings and increased throughput".
He will pose the question: "Will nanotech be the driver for the next quantum leap in efficiency?".
Sessions are designed to address the needs of both specialists and those looking for an overview of automation.
Each will be chaired by a prominent figure and followed by a panel discussion.
Expert speakers include industry leaders, luminaries and respected academics from around the world who will mix innovation and new research with real-life case studies to educate at all levels.
Demonstrating their commitment to the education of the next generation of scientists, exhibition organisers (IIR) will be sponsoring 50 free places for students.
All applications for the 50 free one-day student passes will be considered on merit by the scientific steering committee.
"Knowledge and understanding is a paramount requirement in a rapidly changing technology world.
"Lab Automation Europe 2004 is an essential addition to the conference list for all scientists seeking to implement automation solutions to achieve a higher through-put than they currently have," said Tony West, Sanger Institute and chair of the conference's scientific committee.
"The research topics and automation solutions covered in the conference provide a great opportunity to really expand horizons."
