For Immediate Release February 28, 2005

For More Information Contact: Teresa Bennett, 317-278-9173 Rich Schneider, 317-278-4564 rcschnei@iupui.edu

Solutions Conference to Showcase Research in Six Key Economic Clusters

INDIANAPOLIS - Participants at the annual 2005 Solutions Conference will see something special: the future.

Businesses leaders, entrepreneurs, and others will be able to examine and discuss current cutting-edge research, learn where basic research conducted at IUPUI in six key economic sectors is headed, and consider work that foreshadows what's to come by five to 10 years. The six economic clusters are: Life & Health Sciences; Information & Communication Technologies; 21 st Century Logistics; Advanced Manufacturing; Nonprofit Organizations; and Art, Culture & Tourism.

In addition, business leaders will learn about resources IUPUI has to help them conduct research on existing and potential new products.

The hands-on, fast-paced, demonstration-driven Solutions Conference will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 15, 2005, in the Informatics and Communications Technologies Complex building, located at the corner of West Street and Michigan Street .

Hosted by IUPUI and the IUPUI Solutions Center, the Solutions Conference is a research showcase that provides a practical way for business leaders to meet with leading researchers to discuss new trends and industry needs, said Teresa Bennett, director of outreach for the IUPUI Solution Center.

Funded by Lilly Endowment in 2003 as part of an effort to keep college graduates in Indiana and to serve the state as an economic development partner, the Solution Center develops partnerships, creates professional internships, links the community with faculty, and customizes programs and research for community clients.

Among the more than 30 demonstrations and exhibits that will be on display at the conference are demonstrations of:

• Hospital-wide surveillance and detection system to monitor for infection outbreaks;
• Proteomics technologies and simulations;
• New urban simulation modeling system to generate alternative outcome scenarios based on policy choices;
• Advanced virtual manufacturing training laboratory;
• Prototype of a hand-held museum tracking and personal information-delivery system;
• Smart Desktop Portal provides a suite of web-based tools for teachers.

Gordon Hendry, director of economic development for Indianapolis , will deliver opening remarks at 8 a.m. entitled, "The City is the University's Lab and Economic Development Partner." Nate Feltman, vice president and general council of the Indiana Economic Development Council, will discuss at 10:15 a.m. "The University as Partner in the Growth of Indiana's Economy."

The conference is open to the public. To register to attend, visit www.solutionsconference.iupui.edu. Registration fees of $75 for the public and $50 for partners include not only admittance and parking, but an annual membership in the Solutions Center . Solution Center members receive updates throughout the year about research at IUPUI and invitations to seminars and "webinars."

For more information e-mail the Solution Center at solution@iupui.edu or call 317 278-9170. ###