Description:
Writers of fiction have long envisioned a seamless interplay between synthetic materials and living tissue. But the interface of pen and paper is a very different from that of titanium and bone. How might ideas from modern biology and materials science be combined to save lives, prolong life and improve the quality of life? The activities of the NSF-funded University of Washington Engineered Biomaterials (UWEB) program will be used to illustrate how we can transition from idealism, enthusiasm and biological facts to robust engineering constructs that help people. The Wellspring of Discovery
This 50th anniversary symposium provides an opportunity to reflect on the agency's role as a wellspring for discoveries. NSF's work has nourished discovery as well as our nation's economy; the challenge now is to sustain the exploration and to convey the "awed wonder" of science.
Speaker(s):
Rita Colwell, director, National Science Foundation
Buddy Ratner, Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington
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