IARPA/SRC Workshop on DNA-based Massive Information Storage (invitation only)

Discussion Framework

SRC/IARPA Workshop on Massive Information Storage (Technical Program, Discussion Questions and Straw Target Goals)

Purpose

The explosion of data and the potential to extract greater insight from rich data sources is driving challenges and opportunities for the future of information technology . One major challenge is the need for storage technologies that scale without imposing prohibitive power and cost requirements. To address this need, the proposed workshop seeks to identify research directions that may support the development of DNA-based massive information storage technologies. This is motivated by two key developments:

1. Recent work has shown that global demand for conventional silicon-based memory is growing exponentially, while silicon production is growing only linearly. This disparity guarantees that silicon-based memory will become prohibitively expensive for Zetta-scale “big data” deployments within two decades.
2. Recent studies by three distinct research groups have demonstrated proof-of-concept that DNA can be used to support scalable , random-access and error-free information storage . These advances now make DNA a very attractive potential alternative to silicon for information storage, because:
• DNA has an information storage density that is several orders of magnitude higher than any other known storage technology. In theory, a few tens of kilograms of DNA could meet all of the world’s storage needs for centuries to come.
• DNA can store information stably at room temperature for hundreds of years with zero power requirements, making it an excellent candidate for large-scale archival storage.
• With technology advances, DNA could be orders of magnitude cheaper to produce than wafer-grade silicon.

The growing demand for alternative storage technologies, coupled with recent major advances by a critical mass of researchers in the DNA storage field, suggests that practical DNA storage technologies capable of meeting the world’s needs may be achievable in five years. To explore this issue, this workshop will pose the following questions to attendees: What are the greatest barriers to achieving practically useful technologies for DNA-based massive information storage? What recent methodological advances in biology, microfluidics or other disciplines suggest this goal is achievable? What level of multidisciplinary coordination is required to achieve this goal? What tools or strategies will be the key to success?

Format

This is an invitation-only meeting where all attendees are expected to actively participate. The 2 -day workshop will be constructed to include selected overview presentations and panel discussions. It will encourage and enable interactions by allotting sufficient time for in-depth panel-participant interactions. Participants will be asked to identify capabilities may only be achievable through large, focused investment by an applied research agency.

Outcome

A detailed technical report will be generated resulting from the inputs gathered at the workshop that will be useful in describing promising research directions. Successful execution of the workshop goal will be used to inform the strategic funding priorities of the sponsors.

Venue

Hyatt Arlington
1325 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: +1 (703) 525-1234

Room Block: IARPA SRC/DNA Workshop
Room Rate: $226/night + tax
Room Block Cut-off Date: April 1, 2016
Reservations: 1-888-421-1442, 402-592-6464 or https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=14862027

Transportation

From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

• Taxi - taxi stands are located in the arrivals area near baggage claim in each terminal.  Fare to the hotel is approximately $10
• Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority - Take the Metro Blue Line in the direction towards Largo Town Center, exit at the Rosslyn stop. After exiting, go up to the top level of the station, exit by the stairway to the right and our hotel is directly across the street.

Driving Directions

From Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport DCA (4.55 miles)
Merge onto George Washington Memorial Parkway North. Merge onto I-395 South toward Richmond. Merge onto VA-110 North / Jefferson Davis Highway via Exit 8B toward I-66 W / Rosslyn. Turn slight left to take the Wilson Boulevard ramp toward Rosslyn. Turn slight left onto Wilson Boulevard. Turn right onto Nash Street. Our hotel is immediately on the right.

From Washington Dulles International Airport IAD (24.47 miles)
Head West on I-195. Merge onto MD-295 South via Exit 2B toward Washington. Merge onto US-50 West / New York Avenue NE toward Washington (Crossing into the District of Columbia). Take I-395 South toward Tunnel (Crossing into Virginia). Merge onto VA-110 North / Jefferson Davis Highway via Exit 8B toward I-66 West / Rosslyn. Turn slight left to take the Wilson Boulevard ramp toward Rosslyn. Turn slight left onto Wilson Boulevard. Turn right onto Nash Street. Our hotel is immediately on the right.

From Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) and Points North (37.28 miles or more)
Head West on I-195. Merge onto MD-295 South via Exit 2B toward Washington. Merge onto US-50 West / New York Avenue NE toward Washington (Crossing into the District of Columbia). Take I-395 South toward Tunnel (Crossing into Virginia). Merge onto VA-110 North / Jefferson Davis Highway via Exit 8B toward I-66 West / Rosslyn. Turn slight left to take the Wilson Boulevard ramp toward Rosslyn. Turn slight left onto Wilson Boulevard. Turn right onto Nash Street. Our hotel is immediately on the right.

Parking

Self Parking - Leave your car in our underground self-parking garage, just off Nash Street. No need to brave the elements. The garage is available daily for a fee of $23.00 per day.

Workshop Steering Committee

• David Markowitz / IARPA
• Jacob Vogelstein / IARPA
• Victor Zhirnov / SRC
• Ralph Cavin / SRC
• Steve Hillenius / SRC
• Celia Merzbacher / SRC