Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre’s
OPEN INNOVATION CONFERENCE 2012
April 4th & 5th
Open innovation is a paradigm that assumes that firms can and should use external (as well as
internal) ideas and paths to market, as the firms look to advance their technology. Traditionally
academia has focused on basic research with long lead-in times to commercialisation, making it
difficult for industry to benefit from academic collaborations. This is changing however as many third
level institutions are now providing much more business facing resources and are striving to produce
value from state funded research. This shift and increase in commercially focussed research has
provided an excellent opportunity for companies to engage in open innovation and utilise the
considerable scientific human resources and expertise that are available in Ireland.
Shannon Applied Biotechnology Centre (Shannon ABC) is an Applied Research Enhancement Centre
established by the Irish Government to meet the research needs of regional and national industry.
Shannon ABC research facilitates companies in achieving a competitive advantage in their
marketplace through new product/process development. Shannon ABC is a collaboration between
the Institute of Technology, Tralee (ITT) and Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT) with the research
focus being led by an Industry Steering Committee.
We would like to invite you to Shannon ABC’s Open Innovation Conference 2012, which will bring
together leaders in industry with the world class research and development scientists operating in
Ireland. The Conference will focus on industry collaborations with academia, using applied science to
solve industrial problems, thus driving innovation and providing added value for companies. Specific
networking between academia and industry will be facilitated through dedicated one to one
Industry/Academia meetings timetabled by prior arrangement through the conference website.
This event is intended to provide an opportunity for industry and academia to interact
synergistically, Day 1 will be specifically for Industry and Academia to present on problems that they
have solved in a collaborative manner, joint presentations from the partners are encouraged. Day 2
is intended to provide an opportunity for postgraduate students who are engaged in industry
focussed R&D to present their on-going, or completed work.
The call for abstracts is now open and is in two categories – (1) Call for papers and (2) call for
posters. Abstracts should be no longer than 250 words (this does not include the title or author
names/affiliations), arial size 10, 1.5 line spacing. Presentations from all sectors of Biotechnology are
welcome and should be of 20 minutes duration. Abstract deadline is Wednesday 15th February at
5pm.
The Conference in 2012 will be hosted by LIT in the Millenium Theatre and will thereafter be hosted
alternately by LIT and ITT.
POSTERS
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Size of display: Standard A0 size (portrait orientation) 841mm(w) x 1189mm(h) - your poster
should not exceed these measurements.
Posters will be displayed on poster boards measuring 1m(w) one to a side.
Posters can ONLY be fixed by velcro.
Your viewing time and details on setting up and taking down will be advised prior to the
meeting. Details on your poster number and location will be available in the programme
booklet provided within your welcome pack on arrival.
You are required to be available by your poster, during the designated time, to discuss the
work presented.
Kindly note that the Shannon ABC cannot forward any posters not collected after the
conference.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS
In order to ensure your presentation runs smoothly you are asked to comply with the following:
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PowerPoint presentations - PC version - are brought to the conference on a USB memory
stick or a CD rom.
PowerPoint presentations - Mac version - can only be accepted if you bring your own laptop
and connecting cables.
Your presentation is given to the venue a/v support staff in the Speaker Preview Room
(details provided closer to the time) at least two hours in advance of your presentation to
ensure compatibility with the equipment available.