How Innovation Drives Our Economy, the next topic in the Cutting-Edge Seminar Series, will be presented Tues., June 5, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at UD's Delaware Biotechnology Institute in the Delaware Technology Park, 15 Innovation Way, Newark.

The event will feature presentations on the Delaware Health Information Network (DHIN), the first statewide health network in the nation, and on UD's life science-focused visualization efforts, including an exciting demonstration of virtual 3-D surgery.

Rob Conrad, DHIN's chief information officer, and Ryan Barry, project manager for Medicity Inc., will provide an overview of DHIN, the nation's first statewide health information exchange, a collaboration of physicians, hospitals, commercial laboratories, community organizations and patients, designed to provide for the secure, fast and reliable delivery of health information at the time and place of care.

Can we create a flight simulator for the surgeon that will enable surgeons to practice complex medical procedures before they even touch the patient" Can we explore molecular details of biological processes in an interactive, immersive environment where we can literally fly through the molecules" Karl V. Steiner, professor of electrical and computer engineering, and associate director of the Delaware Biotechnology Institute, will present the results of recent projects by UD's interdisciplinary life science visualization program and discuss challenges and opportunities for successful applications.

Registration cost is $50 per person. Catered hors d'oeuvres will be served, and a cash bar will be available.