26th December 2002

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UU computing expert Professor Gerard Parr has been revealing how the University of Ulster is working to develop new grid computing initiatives, which could offer Northern Ireland a greater competitive edge for advancing life science research.

Professor Parr was speaking at BIOGRIDS, a major US international conference focusing on Life Science Computing, and the challenges and opportunities it presents to modern industry.

Worldwide developments in biotechnology have led to an explosion in the levels of information that need to be analysed; the sheer volume of data requires the harnessing of computing power on an unprecedented scale, Professor Parr told an audience of international experts at the conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

"Within biotechnology, processes are becoming increasingly data-intensive: team sizes are growing, and the need to transform the masses of data generated by research into usable information has become vital," he said

"With the landmark mapping of the human genome, researchers are struggling to make sense of unprecedented volumes of genetic data. The enormous amount of information produced in bio-related research is fuelling demand for advanced IT solutions.

"At the University of Ulster, we are developing these solutions in partnership with academics and industry from across the globe."

The Biogrids conference brought together international delegates from Canada, Europe and Asia and offered the opportunity to share grid development initiatives and focus on developing the life sciences economic sector.

Dr Loralyn Mears, Head of Market Development at event sponsor, Sun Microsystems, said: "This forum has provided an excellent opportunity to discuss the business benefits, the technical detail and the future of grid computing within life science."

For further information, please contact:

Press Office Department of Communication and Development
Telephone: 028 9036 6178
Email: pressoffice@ulster.ac.uk