NSF Bioeconomy Distinguished Lecture Series - Scoping and Educating the Dynamic Biotech Workforce

NSF invests in fundamental research to support biotechnology and advance the U.S. bioeconomy across the sciences and engineering. 

Presented by NSF's Bioeconomy Coordinating Committee and NSF Directorates, this distinguished lecture series brings in individual speakers and panels representing the science and technology funded by a Directorate every month.  Speakers present on research and broader impacts in areas associated with biotechnology and the bioeconomy that are of interest broadly across the foundation.

On May 13th, 2021 Dr. Linnea Fletcher, InnovATEBIO PI; Dr. Thomas Tubon, Co-PI; and Russ Read, Co-PI; gave an amazing presentation. In this lecture, they discussed their work to lead the biotechnology community to evaluate and meet workforce needs across biomanufacturing and biotech and how preparing the workforce can also increase economic development. They also highlighted unique partnerships they have established through their efforts in workforce development, including partnerships with Manufacturing USA and other federal agencies. The panel described their efforts to broaden participation in the biotechnology workforce including participation in the NSF-funded Center for Advancing Research Impact in Society (ARIS) and working with industry partners to develop skills standards, improve onshore manufacturing, and increase supply chain security.