2009 APS March Meeting
Volume 54, Number 1
Monday–Friday, March 16–20, 2009;
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Session T5: Industrial Biophysics
2:30 PM–6:06 PM,
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Room: 401/402
Sponsoring
Units:
FIAP DBP
Chair: Philip Wyatt
Abstract ID: BAPS.2009.MAR.T5.5
Abstract: T5.00005 : Biophysics at the Boundaries: The Next Problem Sets
4:54 PM–5:30 PM
Preview Abstract
Abstract
Author:
Malcolm Skolnick
The interface between physics and biology is one of the fastest
growing
subfields of physics. As knowledge of such topics as cellular
processes and
complex ecological systems advances, researchers have found that
progress in
understanding these and other systems requires application of more
quantitative approaches.
Today, there is a growing demand for quantitative and
computational skills
in biological research and the commercialization of that
research. The
fragmented teaching of science in our universities still leaves
biology
outside the quantitative and mathematical culture that is the
foundation of physics. This is particularly inopportune at a time
when
the needs for quantitative thinking about biological systems are
exploding.
More physicists should be encouraged to become active in research
and
development in the growing application fields of biophysics
including
molecular genetics, biomedical imaging, tissue generation and
regeneration,
drug development, prosthetics, neural and brain function,
kinetics of
nonequilibrium open biological systems, metabolic networks,
biological
transport processes, large-scale biochemical networks and stochastic
processes in biochemical systems to name a few.
In addition to moving into basic research in these areas, there is
increasing opportunity for physicists in industry beginning with
entrepreneurial roles in taking research results out of the
laboratory and
in the industries who perfect and market the inventions and
developments
that physicists produce.
In this talk we will identify and discuss emerging opportunities for
physicists in biophysical and biotechnological pursuits ranging
from basic
research through development of applications and
commercialization of
results. This will include discussion of the roles of physicists in
non-traditional areas apart from academia such as patent law,
financial
analysis and regulatory science and the problem sets assigned in
education
and training that will enable future biophysicists to fill these
roles.
To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2009.MAR.T5.5