INTELLECTUAL MERIT: This is the eighth in an ongoing annual series focused on providing a forum for sharing and discussing the latest advances in biological materials science and engineering. Topics of interest for the series of symposia include the primacy of biological materials to the development of biomaterials and biomimetic materials, novel applications, and understanding the complex structure-property relationships of these materials. This year the symposium will encompass the following themes: biological materials (tissues, cells, etc.), biomaterials (implants), biomimetic materials, bio-enabled materials and systems, and bio-based applications.
BROADER IMPACTS: The symposium provides a forum in which materials scientists working in the areas biological materials, biomaterials, and biomimetic materials can report on recent advances in the field. The funds requested from NSF will support the attendance of students and young faculty who will make presentations at the Symposium. Travel awards will be made to attendees from this group on the basis of abstracts submitted prior to the symposium.
was held at the TMS 2013 Annual Meeting and Exhibition from March 3 - 7, 2013 in San Antonio, Texas. NSF support was provided for partial conference registration and travel support for students, post-doctoral assistants, and other young, scientific investigators attending the symposium. The educational opportunities as well as the opportunities to interact with and learn from senior researchers afforded at such events are invaluable for young attendees and strongly contribute to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workforce development. In turn, these areas of research represent strong opportunities for the U.S. to make strides in the development of new technologies that improve human health and quality of life. TheBiological Materials Science symposium provided a source of information and research on a variety of areas within the spectrum of the biological materials science arena—helping to pave the way for new technologies. In particular, talks focused on explorations surrounding the mechanical behavior of bone, teeth, and other natural materials; studies of materials for biomedical implants that interact more seamlessly with the host; innovative thin films and coatings and their interactions with biological systems and more. It is projected that as these and other featured technologies accelerate in their development; they will contribute to the U.S. continuing to take the lead in innovation in the health and broader engineering sectors.
