Note: The following table is a preliminary listing of the conference programme to date.
Further presentations are currently being reviewed and will be posted as details are finalized. Programme is subject to change at any time.
Transforming Drug Discovery Decision-Making Through Biomedical Knowledge Engineering – Vision, Capabilities, and Experiences; Including Semantic Technologies, Text Mining and Knowledge Bases
Ian Dix
Global Capability Lead for Knowledge Engineering and Text Mining AstraZeneca
Developing Information Competencies in a Multi-National R&D Pharmaceutical Organization – Implementing Learning Solutions in Response to Diverse Learning Styles and Evolving Business Needs
Dave Pearson
Education Adviser in R&D Information Management GlaxoSmithKline
Building a Corporate Product Literature Database from Scratch – Covering Diverse Requirements from Preclinical to Regulatory and Marketing, Legacy Data and Indexing Issues, Web2 Technologies, and Copyright Compliance
Kerstin Hollmann
Senior Information Professional Merck KGaA, Darmstadt
Assessing New Scientific Information Resources with the End-Users’ Participation – Experiences in Partnering and Training Users within the Organization to Evaluate Specific Tools, Research Interfaces, Databases, and Related Costs to Maximize Effectiveness
Pascale Loret
Director, Scientific Documentation Department IRIS
Anne Trincot
Head of Scientific and Regulatory Documentation IRIS
Healthcare - Future Scenarios and Challenges for an Industry in Change
Alan Newton Research Informatics Site Head Pfizer Global Research & Development
Abstract
A thought provoking talk on anticipated changes in Healthcare and how we need to think about positioning ourselves within the Information and Technology arena for 2010 and beyond. A number of future picture scenarios will be painted using the imagineering approach and content developed by the Pfizer 'Blue Sky' team. The objective is to promote some 'out of the box' thinking about where we need to position ourselves, in terms of key services to be provided and key skill sets needed in future.
Biography
Alan Newton is the Research Informatics Site Head within Pfizer Global Research & Development at Sandwich having responsibility for the delivery of informatics products and services to approximately 800 Research scientists. His team is part of a global Research Informatics organisation, with headquarters in New London , Connecticut , US . Alan joined Pfizer in 1995, initially as an IT Business Manager supporting Clinical Development, moving into Research in 1999. Prior to that he worked for Glaxo and Ford Motor Company, both in an IT capacity. He has over 20 years of experience in IT, more latterly in managing teams through to successful delivery. During that time he has led a number of strategic development activities and has also developed an acute appreciation of what it takes to deliver change programs successfully.
Emerging Technologies that will Disrupt, Change, Support and Drive the Future of the Healthcare Information Services
To be Confirmed
Abstract
To be Announced
Biography
To be Announced
“Wikilog” – Web 2.0 Lessons Learned from a Corporate Library
Hans-Ulrich Häussermann Manager Library Information Resources Abbott GmbH & Co. KG
Abstract
In the public world Web 2.0 is a synonym for information sharing and collaboration among users with the same interest. Why shouldn't this technological concept of social interaction be similarly successful inside a large corporation? Best practices, however, show that Web 2.0 applications are still in its infancy in traditional organizations.
In this presentation you will find some examples of how a corporate library runs Web 2.0 applications to support internal communication and to foster customer services and interaction. Hear about success factors as well as obstacles and lessons learned.
Biography
Hans-Ulrich Häussermann holds an information profession diploma and has over 22 years experience of library and information services in the pharmaceutical industry. Currently, he holds the position of Manager European Service Center for Library Information Resources at Abbott in Germany.
The European Service center comprises four major service groups:
Information Research and Resources Training
Support to European Customers for any scientific and business information requests as well as online and on-site training
Library Support
Collection Management, Document Delivery and License negotiations
Intranet Content and Knowledge Management
Coordination of Abbott Germany’s Intranet and portal development
R&D Records Management
Print and electronic archiving and records management for R&D
Prior to Abbott, he was Head of the Information Services function with Knoll AG in Ludwigshafen from 1986 until 2001. He received his information profession degree and M.A. in Human Sciences from the University in Frankfurt in 1985.
Web 2.0 in the Enterprise
To be Confirmed
Abstract
To be announced
Biography
To be announced
Web 2.0 and Emerging Technologies Panel Discussion
Expert Panel
Abstract
To be announced
Biography
To be announced
Enabling the Strategic Decision Making Process – Integrated Technical and Financial Information and Competitor Intelligence
Susan Jackson Versant EuroVentures
Abstract
To be announced
Biography
To be announced
Transforming Drug Discovery Decision-Making Through Biomedical Knowledge Engineering – Vision, Capabilities, and Experiences; Including Semantic Technologies, Text Mining and Knowledge Bases
Ian Dix Global Capability Lead for Knowledge Engineering and Text Mining AstraZeneca
Abstract
Decision-making within Drug Discovery is compromised by the sheer volume and heterogeneity of decision-relevant biomedical information available to project teams: project teams struggle to access critical information in time, at an acceptable quality, coverage, and cost. This challenge is compounded by the formats and accessibility of biomedical information, with the most valuable information being ‘locked’ within textual formats such as the literature, patents and internal reports. The talk will build on last years PharmBiomed presentation presenting further examples of successful utilization of the much-hyped ‘semantic’ technologies, such as text mining and knowledge bases, as a way of addressing this pressing challenge. In addition the presentation will give an updated overview of the AZ Knowledge Engineering Capability, covering vision, execution and impact to date, along with a view of the immediate challenges, as well as emerging opportunities, in making this emerging capability BAU within Drug Discovery
Biography
Ian Dix joined AstraZeneca, providing molecular toxicology informatics support, in 1999, following a Post-Doctoral Fellowship in molecular biology and subsequent computational biology MSc. Whilst initially focusing on project support work, his focus shifted to platform delivery in 2001 delivering AZ's global gene expression platform (GeAZr) and genome platform (Gene Catalogue). In 2004 Ian moved to a Programme Management role, co-managing the global Targets and Translational Science platform build and service delivery. During this period his interest developed in the challenge of pathway/bio-process/disease knowledge delivery to Discovery projects, leading to a shift of role in 2006. Currently, Ian is the Global Capability Lead for Knowledge Engineering and Text Mining with a remit to transform how decision-relevant knowledge is delivered to drug efficacy and safety project teams across Discovery.
Searching Full-Text Electronic Journals at GSK – Lessons Learned from a Pilot Using a Federated Search Approach
Helen Malone
Content Portfolio Manager GlaxoSmithKline
Abstract
Electronic journals are one of the most heavily used published information sources within R&D. This presentation will summarise a pilot to use a federated search approach to enable full-text searching of electronic journals, the issues/challenges and the reasons why it is not considered a viable long-term solution for GSK. The rationale for embracing Google Scholar at GSK as an alternative to federated searching will be outlined and hints and tips for promoting Google Scholar both on GSK's Library portal and steps taken to integrate with GSK's enterprise search tool highlighted
Biography
Helen Malone has held a wide variety of information management roles within the pharmaceutical industry. Her experience ranges from working as a librarian/information scientist to a database/product support manager with expertise in line, matrix/project management at Glaxo, GlaxoWellcome and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). Helen's most recent role is Content Portfolio Manager at GSK with responsibility for coordinating R&D needs for the published information portfolio. Helen represents GSK on IMPI (Information Managers in the Pharmaceutical Industry) in the UK, is a member of the Pharma Documentation Ring (PDR) and has recently joined the Pharma-Bio-Med Board of Counselors.
Developing Information Competencies in a Multi-National R&D Pharmaceutical Organization – Implementing Learning Solutions in Response to Diverse Learning Styles and Evolving Business Needs
Dave Pearson Education Adviser in R&D Information Management GlaxoSmithKline
Abstract In 2007, 7000 participants attended virtual and face-to-face training sessions conducted by the R&D Information Management department in GlaxoSmithKline. A similar number used elearning resources. Learner-rated increase in knowledge after face-to-face training sessions typically exceeds 100% and average elearning assessment scores exceed 80%.
R&D information management training is led by Client Development whose vision is to "enable R&D staff to know what information resource to use for specific problem-solving or decision-making, to know where to find the resource and how to use it".
This presentation will outline what we know about the learning preferences of our R&D audience, our response to evolving business needs and how a small team can impact a large audience and stay abreast of dynamic changes in the learning arena
Biography
Dave Pearson has 18 years experience with information management in the pharmaceutical industry. Dave has spent the past eight years designing and delivering a broad information education portfolio and is now Education Adviser in R&D Information Management at GSK. Prior to this he delivered search services covering biomedical, business and competitor information to R&D.
Dave is an Institute Certified Training Practitioner, the premier membership grade for practising trainers, in the Institute of IT Trainers. Dave runs training across the full spectrum of R&D including: use of e-lab notebooks; searching biomedical and clinical literature; citation management; finding commercial information; effective use of Web resources.
Dave has a master's degree in Information Science (City University, London) and a degree in Applied Biology (Brunel University, London).
BioMedical Information Integration for Optimum Value-Add
To be Confirmed
Abstract
Biography
Information Audit - Problem Identification and Solution Implementation
Nicola Cooper
Information Scientist Pfizer
David Jones Technical Analyst Pfizer
Abstract
In 2007, an audit of information use was performed in a Pfizer Research Therapeutic Area (TA). The aim was to enable the Therapeutic Area Scientific Information Services (TA SIS) department to best provide the information the Research TA needed to meet its organisational objectives. In this presentation, the methodology of how the information audit was performed will be outlined. The output of the audit was visualised and analysed using MindManager Maps (Mindjet). The most critical information problems and gaps were identified and communicated widely within Pfizer Informatics and also back to the Research TA, with associated actions. The impact of the information audit on TA SIS and Informatics strategy will be described. This includes the introduction of online collaborative team-working using Microsoft SharePoint and OneNote.
Biography
Dr Nicola Cooper is an information scientist at Pfizer Inc working in the therapeutic area scientific information services department. She provides biomedical, clinical and competitor intelligence information and analysis through active partnership with Research, Development and Commercial departments.
Nicola has worked at Pfizer since 1998 – initially as a senior scientist in Research and then as an information scientist (since 2002). Prior to this, she completed several post-doctoral positions with a focus on neuroscience research.
Nicola holds a BSc (Hons) in Biochemistry and Biological Chemistry and a Ph.D in Biophysics, both from the University of Nottingham, UK.
Mr. David Matthew Jones BSc is a technical analyst at Pfizer Inc working in the therapeutic area scientific information services department. He works in partnership with various development and therapeutic teams to ensure availability of accurate scientific and operational information that enables creativity, innovation, scientific insight and improved decision-making in the drug development process.
David has worked at Pfizer since 1999, following 3 years in other industries, and during this time has worked in various informatics positions dedicated to supporting the drug development teams and processes.
David holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Reading, UK.
Building a Corporate Product Literature Database from Scratch – Covering Diverse Requirements from Preclinical to Regulatory and Marketing, Legacy Data and Indexing Issues, Web2 Technologies, and Copyright Compliance
Kerstin Hollmann
Senior Information Professional Merck KGaA, Darmstadt
Abstract
PLDs are a common working tool throughout the Pharmaceutical Information Business. Most of them have been initiated lifecycles ago, are off-the-shelf products or in-house developments – and more and more buckled and bent to meet diverse needs. But the challenge doesn't get less if one decides to implement a new system, to meet all needs from preclinical development to marketing and regulatory, including basic and additional drug- or group-specific indexing; to tender world-wide availability, legacy data of diversest kind, web2 developments as well as copyright compliance and interact with the present IT tool landscape. This session will present the journey of a project leader exactly aiming to satisfy these diverse and demanding requirements with a single easy-to-use device together with Pi2 Solutions Ltd as external partner.
Biography
Dr. Kerstin Hollmann is a senior Information Professional at the Corporate Scientific Information department of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt. She has a scientific background in Pharmacy and holds a a PhD in Pharmaceutical Biology and Immunochemistry
Finding Hidden Information Using Full Text Searches – Techniques and Examples that Don’t Rely on Abstracting and Indexing Databases
Peter Fisher
Senior Information Consultant Boehringer-Ingelheim
Abstract
Often, important information is found within the body of publications that is not retrieved from “normal” abstracting and indexing databases. This happens when the search term or drug is neither listed in the title, abstract, nor among the index terms or registry numbers. Examples are shown from publicly available databases such as Google Scholar on finding e.g. expert discussions of pipeline drugs, selected scientific methods, or specialized book chapters.
Biography
Dr. Peter Fischer studied Biology in Frankfurt (Main), Germany, followed by a post-doc training in La Jolla, California. Returning to Germany, he headed a team researching antibodies in autoimmune diseases and for cancer treatment and had a lectureship in molecular medicine at the Charite in Berlin. In 2006, after a three-year guest professorship in biotechnology at the Berlin University of Applied Sciences, Dr. Fischer joined Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG. As a senior information consultant in the Scientific Library, he invests much time for teaching and evaluation of new information resources. He also gives a lecture with hands-on training on computer-assisted information search in the newly founded courses of studies “Pharmaceutical Biotechnology” at the Biberach University of Applied Sciences.
Business Information for R&D and Strategic Planning – Identifying Issues and Selecting Sources
Shaida Dorabjee
Consultant SD Information Services
Abstract
The pressure on R&D to show efficiency means that pipeline data is important as well as the ability to demonstrate productivity, quality and innovation. In addition, identifying market trends, financial performance and the economic outlook is essential in order to guide R&D activities. Issues such as prescribing practices, demographics, emerging markets and access to medicines also mean that a strategic approach to long-term R&D must be taken.
The Challenge for the information professional in R&D is to be able to support R&D activities and strategic planning by expanding the coverage of information sources to include business information. This, together with the rapidly changing way in which business information is packaged and delivered to the user and new sources continuously emerging heralds a busy time for the information professional in the future.
This presentation will highlight these issues and will identity a variety of sources of business information.
Biography
Shaida Dorabjee has been involved with information management in the pharmaceutical industry for many years, covering R&D information as well as marketing and business information. She has also worked with CMR International, a consulting and benchmarking organization looking at strategic issues in pharmaceutical R&D.
Shaida has been working as an independent consultant for the past seven years, focusing on conducting information reviews and audits in the corporate and public sector in the UK and Europe. She also conducts training courses and workshops on information issues as well as sources of pharmaceutical information. Shaida pays particular attention to approaching the provision of an information service as a business and therefore managing, marketing and promoting the service as such.
Assessing New Scientific Information Resources with the End-Users’ Participation – Experiences in Partnering and Training Users within the Organization to Evaluate Specific Tools, Research Interfaces, Databases, and Related Costs to Maximize Effectiveness
Pascuale Loret
Director, Scientific Documentation Department IRIS
Ann Trincot
Head of Scientific and Regulatory Documentation IRIS
Abstract
Selecting databases, as well as information tools for information professionals and for their clients, while respecting needs and cost limitations, has become a real challenge.
Today, end-users appreciate and require direct access to information, which can help them in their decision-making. Our mission is to help them to improve their database knowledge and expertise. The multiplication of specific tools, research interfaces and databases as well as the cost of these new information resources obliges information professionals to have an in-depth knowledge of the solutions available. It is important to develop specific training and communication and it could also be interesting to collaborate with our clients when choosing certain specific and value-added information resources.
Our department manages the assessment of two new specialist databases, Trialtrove and Pharmapendium with the collaboration of end-users. The combination of information professional and end-user expertise is a solution in improving the assessment of new information resources.
Biography
Pascale Loret is a professional information specialist with more than 20 years’ experience, of which 15 years in the Pharmaceutical Industry. Director of the Scientific Documentation Department at Servier since 2000, she is responsible for the department’s three spheres of activity: Scientific and Regulatory Documentation, Documentary Engineering and Translation.
Anne Trincot is a professional information specialist with 13 years’ experience, of which 2 years at Servier. She is currently in charge of Scientific and Regulatory Documentation (including Scientific Intelligence) for the Scientific Documentation Department.
Knowledge Management (KM) and Information Management (IM)
To be Confirmed
Abstract
To be Announced
Biography
To be Announced
Parallel Breakout Focus Discussion Sessions Day 1
For designated time-slots in the programme, delegates will have the opportunity to participate in parallel Breakout Discussion Sessions in groups. For the first Session, delegates will select one Information Area of Interest group that they would like to join (Current Awareness, Federated Searching, etc.) to discuss questions relevant to each topic presented in the table for Breakout Session 1 shown below.
Once delegates have submitted their registration form for the conference, they will be sent details separately on how to enroll for one of these Focus Discussion groups.
In addition, each of the topics below will also be presented to all of the delegates during the Plenary Session.
Information Area of Interest
Breakout Focus Discussion Session 1, followed by Presentation During Plenary: Best Practices, Benchmarking & Meeting the Challenges
Responding to the Business Needs of an Industry in Change
Topics to be Discussed will Include:
How to Climb the Information Services Value Chain
Continuing Education and Training for the Information Professional of Tomorrow
Existing Examples of Evolving Roles in Information Management
Is Knowledge Management the Way Forward?
How to Fully Leverage the New Technologies
1) What are some of the a) most frequently used, b) lesser-known, but useful, sources of information in this area? What do you see as some of the most relevant benefits and drawbacks to using these sources?
2) What is the most significant change that you have implemented to your work in this area (e.g. new software, new method of working, new publication, new blog, etc.) that has made the biggest difference in improving the results or the way that you work?
3) What are the steps you are taking to address the biggest current & future challenges in this area?
4) What are the similarities and differences of each point (see 1-3) with respect to Small and Medium sized companies as well as Large corporations.
Parallel Breakout Focus Discussion Sessions Day 2
For designated time-slots in the programme, delegates will have the opportunity to participate in parallel Breakout Discussion Sessions in groups. For the second session, delegates will select one Information Area of Interest group that they would like to join (Pipeline/Competitor Information, Scientific & Technical Information, etc.) to discuss the questions presented in the table for Breakout Session 1 shown below.
Once delegates have submitted their registration form for the conference, they will be sent details separately on how to enroll for one of these Focus Discussion groups.
In addition, each of the topics below will also be presented to all of the delegates during the Plenary Session.
Information Area of Interest
Breakout Focus Discussion Session 2, followed by Presentation During Plenary: Best Practices, Benchmarking & Meeting the Challenges
Scientific, Technical & Drug Discovery Information
Topics to be Discussed will Include:
Management of information for drug discovery, development and getting to market faster
Techniques of searching and analysing scientific and technical information for the drug discovery process
Text/data mining, visualisation from multiple data sources, and acquiring knowledge
1) What are some of the a) most frequently used, b) lesser-known, but useful, sources of information in this area? What do you see as some of the most relevant benefits and drawbacks to using these sources?
2) What is the most significant change that you have implemented to your work in this area (e.g. new software, new method of working, new publication, new blog, etc.) that has made the biggest difference in improving the results or the way that you work?
3) What are the steps you are taking to address the biggest current & future challenges in this area?
4) What are the similarities and differences of each point (see 1-3) with respect to Small and Medium sized companies as well as Large corporations.
Clinical Trials, Safety and Regulatory Information -
Topics to be Discussed will Include:
EMEA/FDA -- to what extent are sources available and how can they be accessed?
Other Sources of Regulatory Information - Access, Aggregation and Dissemination
How to Find Bio Marker Information
Challenges and solutions for data integration and standardisation
Pipeline/Competitor Information and Business Intelligence
Topics to be Discussed will Include:
Competitor and business information analysis and evaluation
Business development and the Information Professional -- how to communicate value
Bridging the gap between Information Professionals and End Users
Medical Information (Post Marketing) -
Topics to be Discussed will Include:
The where and how of specialist databases, e.g. covering product literature, genomics, medical conferences, etc.
Academic & Research Institute
Topics to be Discussed will Include:
Copyright/license Awareness and Compliance Implementation
Next Steps for the Future Library
End User and Information Professionals - Who Does What?
Topics to be Discussed will Include:
Information Alerting Systems and Techniques for Best Current Awareness Strategies
Full Text Searching
In house and Outside Database Searching
Text Mining and Visualization Tools
Pipeline Information
Others...
Free Versus Fee-Based Services -
Topics to be Discussed will include:
Tips & Techniques for Cost Effective Information Strategies Both From the View Point of Information Management and Information Specialists
