The new report outlines the potential for transformation in engineering biology to tackle modern challenges.
The report, entitled “Aspirations for Engineering Biology,” highlights the transformational potential of engineering biology (ENGBIO) to address some of the key challenges of our time, from blood grown in labs to biologically derived materials in fashion.
This rapid, innovative technology applies engineering principles to the design of biological systems and processes. It can create practical solutions to some of the greatest challenges of society, addressing the problems faced by people and planets both now and in the future.
The report, published by the UK Government’s Science Bureau, will explore ways to leverage Envio to create a more sustainable future, helping to solve problems in areas such as healthcare, environmental sustainability, agriculture, and energy.
How engineering biology advances key sectors
This paper features chapters written by experts who explore how Engbio can help its efforts to solve global challenges.
We explore innovative solutions that allow lab-grown blood to present. Another explores how biologically derived fashion materials can reduce environmental pollution and create a more sustainable industry.
Further chapters include how nitrogen-fixing cereals can produce new, sustainable generations of crops, and how microorganisms can solve metal shortages and produce them to create sustainable fuels and chemicals from waste.
British Minister of Science Lord Balance said: “This is a timely report. Engineering and biology is a technology with great potential, already providing innovations from healthcare to clean energy, supporting this government’s mission to support the change plan.
“Our commitment to the UK’s fast-growing engineering and biology sector is clear, from an investment of £100 million in engineering biology mission hubs and awards to efforts to improve regulation of this critical technology, including a new office of regulatory innovation.”
Scale up to improve your results
The Engineering Biology Appirations report is the result of cross-government work and collaboration with leading scientists to understand this transformative technology and its vast applications.
As the report highlights, there are still progress, but continued research, development, scale-up and regulatory considerations help Engbio address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.
Commenting on the report, Professor Angela McLean, a government scientific advisor, commented, “Engineering biology has the power to drive economic growth and provide transformative solutions to a wide range of challenges.”
She concluded: “This report aims to be a source of inspiration for government, industry, academia and the public, and shows what is possible when engineering and biology exploits the opportunities offered.”
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