Background
Science and technology at the nanoscale offer much promise for advances in biology and medicine. The ability to engineer machines and materials on the scale of atoms and molecules will greatly impact biomedical devices, therapeutics, and strategies for health care. Synthetic nanostructures are at the confluence of the smallest of human-made devices and the biomolecules that carry out life processes. This similarity in scale can lead to nanoscale structures that interface with biological systems at the molecular level. Devices that mimic the functionality of biomolecules and biomolecular systems are becoming feasible. Nanoscale tools are beginning to accelerate a basic understanding of the cell and related biological systems. New labels and approaches to biological imaging, tools for interfacing to molecular systems, and advanced analytical techniques are becoming available. The overlap between nanotechnology and medicine defines the relatively new field of nanobiomedicine. Its development will require interdisciplinary training, improved understanding of biological design, and advanced capabilities that facilitate the furthering of nanotechnologies for biomedical purposes. In addition, comprehensive theoretical tools and computational resources that can address multiple size and time scales are required. Many of the necessary resources and expertise are available at DOE laboratories, and programs that define the research needs and directions are offered at the NIH. Close collaboration by these communities can enable realization of the potential dramatic advances resulting from nanobiomedicine.
Objectives
The goals of this workshop are to (l) make investigators aware of research needs and opportunities in nanobiomedicine, (2) make funding agencies aware of related research programs and resources, (3) identify scientific opportunities for and issues associated with agency interactions, and (4) promote collaborations among investigators from different agencies and organizations.
Participants
Attendance will be limited by room size to 120 people including scientific and program staff members from NIH, DOE, National Institute of Standards and Technology (U.S. Department of Commerce), other Federal agencies, national laboratories, and universities.
Format
The 1 ½-day workshop includes (1) plenary presentations describing research programs and resources, research needs and opportunities, and scientific advances and (2) poster presentations of nanobiotechnology research advances and programs.
Date and Location
March 17-18, 2005, Hyatt Regency Bethesda, Bethesda, Maryland
Agency Coordinators
Drs. Peter Kirchner and Richard Swaja (NIH/NIBIB), and Drs. John Miller (DOE/Basic Energy Sciences Program) and Michael Viola (DOE/Biological and Environmental Research Program)
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