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7 Biosystems and Biomaterials Division
Pages 41-48

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From page 41...
... is "to promote U.S. biosciences and biotechnology innovation and industrial competitiveness by advancing measurement science, standards, and technology in ways that enhance economic security and improve our quality of life." 1 BBD is currently focused on four primary areas -- engineering biology, advanced therapies, precision medicine, and microbiome -- with a drive to "foster innovation and build confidence in quantitative biology and biomaterial measurements across government and industry in support of the bio-economy."2 Importantly, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, BBD implemented targeted initiatives by redirecting resources in manpower, collaborations, and equipment.
From page 42...
... Accomplishments include human gut microbiome (fecal) analysis standards to be used in a large multisite international network, a microbial measurements standards workshop, microbe strain detection and identification within complex populations, and microfluidic development.
From page 43...
... Accomplishments relevant to advanced therapy include development of an ISO cell counting standard and an ISO cell viability standard, which are generally relevant to dosage effects. In genome editing, which has expanded greatly in academia and industry with new methods over the past few years, the group has so far contributed to ISO lexicon, formed a large genome editing consortium with dozens of stakeholders, and leveraged NIST's GIAB RM for standards.
From page 44...
... PORTFOLIO OF SCIENTIFIC EXPERTISE Accomplishments BBD is a recognized leader in biometrology within the United States and internationally as demonstrated by BBD's standards development (measurement science and technology development) leadership in the BBD-led consortia -- Genome in a Bottle Consortium, Mouse Cell-Line Authentication Consortium, Flow Cytometry Quantification Consortium, Genome Editing Consortium, and the newly established Rapid Microbial Testing Methods Consortium.
From page 45...
... Uniquely, the human gut microbiome project has a very strong international presence. Challenges and Opportunities Recognizing that complex biological systems are governed by the principles of thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and colloidal science, BBD has some strength in these fields.
From page 46...
... BBD maintains more than 110 formal agreements -- a very impressive number, organized 34 workshops, and led or participated in more than 20 global standards development organizations. Five NIST consortia -- Genome in a Bottle, genome editing, quantitative flow cytometry, mouse cell-line authentication, and rapid microbial testing methods -- have been hosted by BBD.
From page 47...
... , which is DOC-funded to accelerate sustainable biopharmaceutical manufacturing innovation, and Biofabusa, which is Department of Defense-funded to make practical large-scale manufacturing of engineered tissues and tissue-related technologies. BBD helped to initiate and participates in the International Metagenomics and Microbiome Standards Alliance (IMMSA)
From page 48...
... RECOMMENDATION 7-5: The Biosystems and Biomaterials Division should analyze underserved minority representation among its staff and develop an action plan to address findings both from such study and from NIST's equity disparity studies. RECOMMENDATION 7-6: The Biosystems and Biomaterials Division should develop a plan for outplacing long-tenured postdoctoral fellows into synergistic positions in industry, academia, or government.


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