Highlights for October 23, 1998
USGS Center for Biological Informatics

I. Key Department News:

• DSS Workshop: On October 27-29, the USGS Center for Biological Informatics will host a decision support system workshop for Biological Resources Division managers. Tom Gunther of the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Water and Science will present the keynote address. Approximately 50 participants are expected to attend the case study presentations, plenary sessions, and individual breakout groups on Technical/Information; Identification of Customers/Partners; and Budget, Policy, and Standards Development. (Ralph Root, Denver, 303-202-4232)
  

II. Agency Works on Presidential Initiatives: No report.

III. Notable Congressional Activity: No report.

IV. Press/Media Inquiries:

• GAP Nominated for Discover Magazine Award: The USGS Gap Analysis Program was nominated for one of Discover Magazine's 1999 Awards for Technological Innovation. For the past nine years, these prestigious awards have celebrated the outstanding technological innovations of our time and specifically the scientists, engineers, and inventors who all too often are the unsung heroes of the technological age. Last year's winner in the Environment category was the Argonne National Laboratory for its plant-based solvents. The 1999 annual awards, chosen by a distinguished panel of experts, will be announced next June. Each winner and all finalists in every category will be featured in a special July 1999 awards issue of Discover, reaching more than six million readers. (Mike Jennings, Moscow, ID, 208-885 3555)
  

V. FOIA Requests: No report.