Abstract
Welome to the conference issue of the Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation (JALA). With this issue we close the first anniversary of the publication of JALA. Our Managing Editor, Conal F, Timoney, is to be congratulated on a fine job of coordinating its evolution into a scientific journal. In its first year, JALA has hosted papers from the conference LabAutomation'98, the MipTec conference, in Basel, EuroLabAuromation'98, in Oxford, and Medica, in Dusseldorf. With its unique blend of peer reviewed scientific papers, new product announcements, and in-depth product reviews, JALA will continue to give members of the ALA an international perspective on the growing field of laboratory automation. This year has seen a 40% growth in the number of basic science articles published in the journal as well as a 50% growth in advertising and exposure to as many as 10,000 individuals per issue. JALA has clearly become the primary source of information on scientific milestones as well as new products for the competitive laboratorian.
In this issue we review and preview a number of laboratory automation conferences held in Europe and North America. On page 28 there is a detailed preview of the program for LabAutomation'99, the largest conference devoted to the science, technologies and products in the rapidly expanding field of laboratory automation. This conference, hosted by the Association for Laboratory Automation, is clearly the worlds premier international gathering of all the disciplines associated laboratory automation technologies. Attendance at LabAutomation is already promising to exceed our expectations. 108 presentations will be made from the podium accompanied by over 57 posters. Almost 100 exhibitors will occupy 128 booths to provide a look at the latest technology in the field.
J. Craig Venter, Keynote Speaker
Furthermore, the conference is expected to welcome over 2000 registered guests from over 20 countries. From the opening Beckman Coulter Award Lecture by J. Craig Ventor on the automation enabled sequencing of the human genome to novel materials such as aerogel (Pam Norris), we are sure that LahAutomation'99 will contain a wealth of stimulating new ideas.
I welcome you to LabAutomation'99 and the many exciting events that await you in San Diego.