On the Horizon
Center for Biotechnology and Nanosciences
Overview
The ÌÇÐÄviog¹Ù·½ÍøÕ¾ proposes to establish a world class Biotechnology and Nanosciences Center to help advance the economic and research productivity of the state, region, nation and global community. The Center:
- Builds on existing strengths in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Agriculture and Aquaculture/Fisheries
- Uses interdisciplinary model
- Agriculture
- Computer Science
- Physics
- Biology
- Regulatory Science
- Aquaculture/Fisheries
- Includes research; B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. programs
- Links to existing research programs and industry R&D departments
- Provides outreach to K-12 schools
Biotechnology
Uses organisms or their products for commercial purposes
- More than 250 biotechnology health care products and vaccines available to patients, many for previously untreatable diseases
- Bio-fuel refineries using biotechnology techniques to produce biofuels and chemicals from renewable biomasses to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Nanosciences
- Nanometer observes at 1000 times smaller than a micrometer
- Observes matter that cannot be seen by human eye or any optical microscope
- Requires atomic microscope or a scanning electron microscope
Biotechnology and nanosciences are considered as twin engines that help to propel the economic growth of the nation.
Impact
- Biotechnology jobs expected to increase between 2006 and 2016 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) in Arkansas bioscience industry (2001-2010)
- Global Information Inc. predicts the annual worldwide market for products incorporating nanotechnology $3.3 trillion in U.S. by 2018
- Technology professionals working in nanotechnology field to increase to 1 million employees in U.S. by 2015 (National Science Foundation)
- Well-prepared diverse and accessible UAPB graduates to staff high tech industry
Linkages
- Advisory council of farmers, businesses, economic development specialists and external researchers
- MOUs with research institutions and business/industry research and development programs