Board on Life Sciences Open Webinar: Harnessing Microbial Diversity for the Bioeconomy
Channel: National Academies - Earth and Life Studies
Date: 02/11/2022

The Board on Life Sciences is hosting a webinar on microbial diversity and its contributions to and potential in building the bioeconomy. 

Biodiversity of Microbes: Scientific Challenges and Opportunities

Often biodiversity is discussed at a macro-level, specifically focusing on biodiversity of animals and plants. At a micro-level, the Earth is inhabited by a trillion or more species of microbes, nearly all of which remain undiscovered. During this discussion, speakers will explore current advances in studying microbial diversity, knowledge and technical gaps that need overcoming, and forward-looking needs and applications for identifying, analyzing, and understanding microbial diversity and function.

Building the Bioeconomy: Harnessing Diversity and Unique Functions of Microbes

The bioeconomy builds on advances in the life sciences, engineering, computer science, data science, materials science, and many other fields to create processes and products that address societal issues. Many of these efforts seek to replace petroleum-based with bio-based processes and products. The concept of “circular bioeconomy” has emerged during the last several years to illustrate the systemic and continuous cycle of using biomass from biological resources for economic growth and development. Microbes with novel or unique functions feature prominently in this circular bioeconomy, and as new microbes are discovered and studied, new opportunities arise for harnessing their capabilities to develop bio-based and bio-inspired products. This concept is advanced through the recent Executive Order on Advancing Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing Innovation for a Sustainable, Safe, and Secure American Bioeconomy. During this discussion, speakers will discuss successes, challenges, and opportunities for harnessing knowledge about microbial function to design and develop processes and products to feed into the bioeconomy.