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Report: Leveraging Biology to Power Engineering Impact

Although separate disciplines, the convergence of biology and engineering has enormous potential to solve some of our greatest problems. The research priorities outlined in this report lay the groundwork for achieving solutions at this intersection. It includes topics ripe for exploration that promise significant advances in how the world tackles some of its biggest problems by leveraging research in three underexplored domains: bio-inspired/bio-informed, repurposing biology, and improving on biology.

The full ERVA report provides a unique look at transformational priorities where engineering and biology can have impact while contributing to an inclusive research community. The aim is to inspire researchers and sponsors (public, private, and nonprofit) to support aligned research leading to innovation and pursue these priorities.

ERVA challenges readers to disseminate this report and its executive summary and share the topics with potential for the greatest return on investment. These priority research directions can build momentum to innovate and create meaningful solutions. Sensors can be improved to capture accurate data and diagnostics. Robotics can be leveraged to improve and extend human performance. Materials can be developed to enable local manufacturing and resolve supply chain issues. Pursuing these research endeavors highlights the synergy between engineering and biology to advance technologies that ultimately create cost-saving, equitable, and sustainable solutions for society.

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