D4Science blog

The International Conference on Universal Digital Library (ICUDL) is a yearly gathering of decision makers in the arena of digital libraries. The 4th International Conference was organized by Professor Raj Reddy from the Computer School of Carnegie Mellon University. The conference took place from 31 October to 2 November in India in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Information Technology.

Mr. Anton Mangstl of the Knowledge Exchange and Capacity Building Division in FAO was one of the keynote speakers. In his presentation entitled “Towards connected digital repositories to support knowledge management in Agriculture”, he used D4Science and the D4Science Virtual Research Environment scenarios as the prime example for advanced infrastructures based on digital library technology.

The D4Science project was presented at the All-Russian Research Conference RCDL 2008, held in the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR) in Dubna, Russian Federation, on 7-11 October 2008. During the event, an invited talk entitled "Virtual Research Environments: e-Infrastructures beyond Digital Libraries" was given by Pasquale Pagano (CNR). An in-depth tutorial on gCube system was conducted by George Kakaletris (NKUA), Pasquale Pagano and Pedro Andrade (CERN).

An audience of approximately 30 scientists had the opportunity to attend the walkthrough in the concepts, technology and capacities of the gCube system. This system empowers Virtual Research Environments, focusing on aspects of infrastructure management and information retrieval.

The Programme Committee for EGEE User Forum, OGF25 and OGF-Europe’s 2nd International Event are inviting session proposals for the Joint Programme, 2-6 March 2009 in Catania, Italy.

This premier event for distributed computing, hosted by the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), will bring into sharp focus the latest developments and top-level challenges in distributed computing, which is critical for innovative and scalable applications and infrastructures that advance commerce and science.

"With grids enabling major scientific collaborations, the implications of green IT for data centres, and the enthusiasm of the IT industry for cloud computing, distributed computing is in a challenging phase of its evolution. Come to Catania to interact with the EGEE and OGF communities, and learn about these topics and more", says Martin Walker, Event Programme Chair.

EGEE User Forum/OGF25 & OGF-Europe’s 2nd International Event will connect experts on deploying multi-disciplinary infrastructures with business experts, technology leaders, users and trainers to showcase best practices across a broad range of sectors. The event will serve as an important catalyst in the drive towards interoperability and a level playing field for all, which is only possible through the mainstream adoption of standards.

Session proposals are open for but not limited to:

• Digital Libraries and Cultural Heritage
• Digital Media and Digital Repositories
• Collaborative Working Environments
• Future Emerging Technologies
• Green IT
• Grids & Cloud Computing (interoperability, convergence, SOA aspects, user experiences, sustainability, industry analyst perspective)
• Grid (issues, applications and technologies)
• Networked, Smart and Virtual Organizations
• Networking Topics (GLIF workshop, standards)
• OGF Specifications: status and experience with implementations (e.g. HPC Basic Profile,..)
• Open Source Technologies and Applications
• Security and Identity Management
• Software development for distributed computing

  Additionally, OGF and OGF-Europe are soliciting proposals for multiple half-day or full-day tutorials with a hands-on focus and designed to enhance technology skills. Tutorial topics may include developing grid services, deploying grid tools, building grid applications, managing grid infrastructures, along with other topics where skills can be taught and transferred to tutorial participants. For more information on OGF-Europe Tutorials, visit the dedicated section on the website: http://www.ogfeurope.eu/index.php/home/in-depth-tutorials

  A special video clip featuring the “Tarantella” song is available at: http://grid.ct.infn.it/barbera/OGF25-at-Catania/

  Session submission:  www.ogf.org/OGF25/cfp.php

  Important dates:
  Submission deadline: 15 December 2008
  Notification: 15 January 2009

During the first ten months of the project, the D4Science members have produced 17 deliverables. Learn about the progress of the project and download the public files at: http://www.d4science.eu/deliverables.

If you want to receive more information about the D4Science project please contact us.