SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2009
1:00 – 2:00 pm Short Course Registration
2:00 – 5:00 pm
SC1 - Pre-Conference Short Course*
Scientific & Technical Considerations for Developing & Managing Biobanking Protocols
The biospecimen research protocol is the cornerstone of any research utilizing precious biological samples and serves as a crucial tool to support both large and small biobanking programs. The management of biorepository protocols is one of the largest and most important considerations when calculating costs in biobanking programs today, putting sustainable quality operations of biospecimen resources at risk. While often overlooked, proactive management and design of biobanking protocols can dramatically improve & address critical issues helping most programs achieve the quality required for serving their community. This workshop will present an in-depth overview and discussion of the following topics:
Recommended Practice for Protocol Development
Considerations for Evidence-based Protocol Design
Factors related to Downstream Analysis
Operational Strategies for Management of End User Protocols
Guidelines to Optimize IRB Review
Issues Related to Culling & Disaster Planning and Financial Considerations & Cost Use Cases
Who Should Attend?
Biospecimen Resource Directors, Lab Managers, Technicians, Scientists & Biobank End Users, Regulatory & Informatics Professionals and Policymakers & Grant Writers/Managers
Course Instructors:
Andrew Brooks, Ph.D., Associate Director, Technology, Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository, RUCDR
Lisa Miranda, President, Biobusiness Consulting Inc.; Former Technical Director, TTAB Core Facility, University of Pennsylvania
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2009
5:30 – 8:30 pm SC2 - Short Course*
Using Automation to Set-up a Successful Research Laboratory: From BioSample to Meaningful Biological Results
Research laboratories are comprised of individual automated systems that should allow seamless access from samples, to reagents, to runs, through to results. Research scientists need to be able to secure biologic samples (storage, processing and retrieval) and run experiments on the selected instrumental platforms (microrrays, qPCR, digital PCR). Always keeping in mind new conditions/instrumentation lead to new protocols as the genomics field matures. This balancing act is comprised of successful utilization of precious resources including biosamples, reagents, instrumentation, and brain power. Embracing these challenges and resulting changes must be done with tight control over budgets to maximize return on investment because there is a high standard set for maximizing value and minimizing waste. A light dinner is included. Topics to be covered include:
Who Should Attend?
Lab managers, technicians, and scientists from biobanks and gene expression laboratories whose top priority is biological results through successful laboratory automation.
Course Instructors:
Nicholas Ilasi, M.Sc., Business Analyst
Petar Stojadinovic, Professor, National University; Corporate Trainer, AutomationTrainer and New Horizons
*Separate registration required