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Presidential Colloquy Illustrates Opportunities in Biotechnology Research
Several of the nation's top science policy makers and researchers came together at Rensselaer to discuss "Opportunities at the Interface of Bioscience and Bioengineering" at a Presidential Colloquy on Sept. 10. The roundtable discussion, moderated by Rensselaer President Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D., focused on the risks and the rewards of research at the intersection of the biosciences and bioengineering.
Rarely have so many luminaries gathered in one place to address issues such as genomic sequencing, the importance of the technological education, the misperceptions surrounding the administration's position on embryonic stem cell research, and related topics. The speakers included The Honorable Elias Zerhouni, M.D., director of the National Institutes of Health; Bruce Alberts, Ph.D., president of the National Academy of Sciences; William Wulf, Ph.D., president of the National Academy of Engineering; Claire Fraser '77, Ph.D., president and director of The Institute for Genomic Research (TIGR); James Mullen '80, chief executive officer of Biogen Idec Inc.; and William Haseltine, Ph.D., chairman and chief executive officer of Human Genome Services Inc.
In a two-hour discussion broadcast live on the Internet, President Jackson led the speakers through a series of questions that illustrated the importance of multidisciplinary research and facilities, such as the Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, which are designed to encourage collaboration. Several of the speakers said that it is essential to engage students in research because they bring a fresh perspective and new ideas into the laboratory.
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