Workshop: Collaborative Platforms for Engineering Biology: Biofoundries and Distributed Biorefineries

University Of California-San Francisco, San Francisco CA

Investigators

Abstract

This award supports the workshop “Collaborative Platforms for Engineering Biology: Biofoundries and Distributed Biorefineries”, that will convene experts across the US and internationally to address mechanisms to advance the global bioeconomies. Open, public biofoundries have recently emerged as key accelerators in engineering biology discovery and application, as well as unique spaces for training an emergent workforce and establishing a robust culture of safety and responsibility in engineering biology. Mobile biorefineries are emerging as a solution to the inefficiencies of biomass conversion, potentially allowing for reduced costs, more jobs, and increased renewable energy production. This workshop explores these tools for building a strong engineering biology research and development base – one that will contribute the technology, innovation, workforce, and infrastructure needed to secure a vibrant Bioeconomy. The workshop will share best practices and processes among global thought leaders in engineering biology. The workshop promotes American engineering biology research and innovation that can drive economic growth across multiple sectors, while at the same time engaging our international partners on policies and paths forward that stimulate investment, data-sharing, testing, and collaboration in the fields that make up the bioeconomy. The workshop facilitates scientific and technological cooperation and capacity building through exchange of knowledge and human resources. In addition, the UCSF Science Policy Group, comprised of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, have the opportunity to learn first-hand about collaborating nations work together to develop new, mutually advantageous avenues of economic growth. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.