On the Horizon

Center for Biotechnology and Nanosciences

Overview

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff proposes to establish a world class Biotechnology and Nanosciences Center to help advance the economic and research productivity of the state, region, nation and global community. The Center:

• Builds on existing strengths in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; Agriculture and Aquaculture/Fisheries
• Uses interdisciplinary model
  • Agriculture
  • Computer Science
  • Physics
  • Biology
  • Regulatory Science
• Aquaculture/Fisheries
• Includes research; B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. programs
• Links to existing research programs and industry R&D departments
• Provides outreach to K-12 schools

Biotechnology

Uses organisms or their products for commercial purposes

• More than 250 biotechnology health care products and vaccines available to patients, many for previously untreatable diseases
• Bio-fuel refineries using biotechnology techniques to produce biofuels and chemicals from renewable biomasses to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Nanosciences

• Nanometer observes at 1000 times smaller than a micrometer
• Observes matter that cannot be seen by human eye or any optical microscope
• Requires atomic microscope or a scanning electron microscope

Biotechnology and nanosciences are considered as twin engines that help to propel the economic growth of the nation.

Impact

• Biotechnology jobs expected to increase between 2006 and 2016 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) in Arkansas bioscience industry (2001-2010)
• Global Information Inc. predicts the annual worldwide market for products incorporating nanotechnology $3.3 trillion in U.S. by 2018
• Technology professionals working in nanotechnology field to increase to 1 million employees in U.S. by 2015 (National Science Foundation)
• Well-prepared diverse and accessible UAPB graduates to staff high tech industry

Linkages

• Advisory council of farmers, businesses, economic development specialists and external researchers
• MOUs with research institutions and business/industry research and development programs