Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology—An NSF Perspective

Engineering research related to the life sciences is becoming more important as an increasing number of products from genetic engineering and cell fusion technology reach the market place. Novel bioprocess engineering, both up-stream and downstream, is also needed to provide a fundamental engineering basis for the economical manufacturing of substances of biological origin. Research linking the expertise of engineers and life scientists is crucial to providing such a fundamental basis, and requires individuals who are broadly competent in each of their fields and who are also willing to collaborate on research projects. This presentation intends to provide an overview of how the Engineering Directorate within the National Science Foundation plans to provide support for the engineering research needed to address the problems of the economic production of products obtained from the most recent advances in the life sciences.