Biodefense research is aimed at understanding the organisms that might be used as agents of bioterrorism and how the human immune system responds to those organisms. This year's biodefense conference will focus on the development of novel integrated hand-held biosensors, single-molecule detection of pathogens, and advances in vaccine therapy against pathogens and emerging infectious diseases. The vast amount of funding in this area promises to benefit human health and ensure preparedness.

Scientific Advisors
Dr. Carol A. Dahl, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Dr. Arthur M. Krieg, Coley Pharmaceutical Group
Dr. James D. Marks, University of California, San Francisco
Dr. Nitish V. Thakor, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Dr. Lloyd J. Whitman, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

Opening Session
Dr. Keith Ward, Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency (HSARPA)
Dr. Mark Derzon, Sandia National Laboratory
Dr. John C. Schmidt, Northrop Grumman Electronic Systems
Dr. Norman G. Anderson, Viral Defense Foundation
Dr. Gregory Bearman, California Institute of Technology

Nano Biodefense - Hand Held Biosensors and Real Time Monitoring
Dr. Uwe R. Müller, Nanosphere, Inc.
Dr. Daniel H. Reich, Johns Hopkins University
Dr. Sharron Penn, Nanoplex Technologies
Dr. Andy McShea, Combimatrix Corporation

Next Generation Detection
Dr. Brett Chromy, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Dr. Linda S. Powers, Utah State University
Dr. Kenton L. Lohman, 454 Life Sciences
Dr. Jeff Rossio, BioVeris Corp.
Dr. Jerome Braun, MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Therapeutic Developments in Biodefense
Dr. Lisa Rotz, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Dr. Timothy A. Gondré-Lewis, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Dr. Arthur M. Krieg, Coley Pharmaceuticals
Dr. James D. Marks, University of California, San Francisco
Dr. Ton Logtenberg, Merus BV