Newswise — Launched in May 2006, the Iraq Virtual Science Library (IVSL) was developed to provide Iraqi scientists with access to research information from the world's leading scientific, engineering and technical publishing houses and societies; with support from the U.S. Departments of State and Defense and managed by the U.S. National Academies of Science. The IVSL has been in the trust of CRDF since July 2006, but will officially transfer control to the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research and the Ministry of Science & Technology at the June 7 press conference.

Speakers include: - Cathleen A. Campbell, President & CEO, CRDF- Dr. Eric Novotny, Senior Vice President, CRDF- Dr. Alex Dehgan, Science and Technology Advisor, USAID - Dr. Abdul Hadi Al Khalili, Iraqi Cultural Attaché, Embassy of the Republic of Iraq Space is limited, so media should confirm their attendance to EA Dyson at [email protected] or 703-526-2339.

Media who cannot attend in person can listen and ask questions by toll-free conference line. The briefing will begin promptly at 11am; media should dial in a few minutes before the start of the news conference. 1-800-944-8766, pass code 63170.