Peoria NEXT Celebrates the Art & Science of Life with Discovery Forum 2005
Posted on April 29th, 2005

Day long celebration brings over 900 entrepreneurs, artists, scientists and educators from throughout the Midwest to explore the impact of innovations in art and science

Peoria, IL – Over 900 people from throughout the Midwest gathered at the Peoria Civic Center today to attend Discovery Forum 2005: A Celebration of the Art & Science of Life. This year’s event focused on exploring the impact of innovations in art, science and the Knowledge Economy.

The morning session featured a musical performance by Dr. Stan Liberty, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs of Bradley University, followed by opening remarks from Dr. Peter Johnsen, Chairman of the Peoria NEXT Board of Directors and Director of the National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, USDA.

Ray Kurzweil, Ph.D., a futurist, best selling author, and expert on intelligent machines, began the Forum with a presentation focused on “Innovation in the 21st Century.”

Donald Lindberg, M.D., Director of the National Library of Medicine, presented on new innovations in health information and biomedical research.

The morning break featured a networking Creativity Showcase, featuring over 40 exhibits of art and science from members of Central Illinois’ creative class.

The morning’s keynote address featured Dean Kamen, creator of the Segway™ and iBOT™, world renowned inventor, entrepreneur, and technology advocate. Kamen focused on “Life Changing Innovation.”

The luncheon was a culinary collaboration among Centerplate catering, USDA Ag Lab, and the Illinois Central College Culinary Arts Program.

The afternoon program included a presentation entitled “Creating a Culture that Guarantees Success for All Children” from George Albano, Principal of Lincoln Elementary School in Mount Vernon, New York. Albano is a pioneer in closing achievement gaps in science, technology, and art in urban schools.

Dr. Jeff Huberman, member of the ArtsPartners of Central Illinois’ Board of Directors and Dean of the Slane College of Communications and Fine Arts at Bradley University, delivered a presentation focused on the “State of the Arts” in the region.

The afternoon keynote address was given by Dana Reeve, speech entitled “Going Forward.” Reeve is the co-founder of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Fund, as well as Broadway, television, and film actress, singer, author, and leading healthcare advocate for medical research funding and disability rights.

The day-long event concluded with the announcement of the recipient of the first Peoria Prize for Creativity. The Prize was presented to University of Florida’s Digital Worlds Institute for its collaborative project, “Hands Across the Ocean: The Lost Chord,” presented by Glen Barton, retired Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc. and Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Peoria Civic Federation.

Dr. Richard Lister, Managing Director of Peoria NEXT made closing remarks and concluded the forum by inviting participants to the Creativity Showcase and reception.

Supporters for Discovery Forum 2005 include Caterpillar Inc., USDA National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Community Foundation of Central Illinois, Ruby K. Worner Charitable Trust, and Bradley University, including the Slane College of Communication and Fine Arts, College of Education and Health Sciences, College of Engineering and Technology, and the Foster College of Business Administration