Research at the Intersection of the Physical and Life Sciences
2010

Consensus

You must be logged in to download this publication.

Select Book Type

Paperback - $39.60
Ebook - $32.39

Request an exam or desk copy

Traditionally, the natural sciences have been divided into two branches: the biological sciences and the physical sciences. Today, an increasing number of scientists are addressing problems lying at the intersection of the two. These problems are most often biological in nature, but examining them through the lens of the physical sciences can yield exciting results and opportunities. For example, one area producing effective cross-discipline research opportunities centers on the dynamics of systems. Equilibrium, multistability, and stochastic behavior—concepts familiar to physicists and chemists—are now being used to tackle issues associated with living systems such as adaptation, feedback, and emergent behavior.

Research at the Intersection of the Physical and Life Sciences discusses how some of the most important scientific and societal challenges can be addressed, at least in part, by collaborative research that lies at the intersection of traditional disciplines, including biology, chemistry, and physics. This book describes how some of the mysteries of the biological world are being addressed using tools and techniques developed in the physical sciences, and identifies five areas of potentially transformative research. Work in these areas would have significant impact in both research and society at large by expanding our understanding of the physical world and by revealing new opportunities for advancing public health, technology, and stewardship of the environment.

This book recommends several ways to accelerate such cross-discipline research. Many of these recommendations are directed toward those administering the faculties and resources of our great research institutions—and the stewards of our research funders, making this book an excellent resource for academic and research institutions, scientists, universities, and federal and private funding agencies.

Publication information

122 pages · 7 x 10 · paperback
ISBN Paperback: 0-309-14751-4
ISBN Ebook: 0-309-14752-2
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17226/12809

Suggested citation

National Research Council. 2010. Research at the Intersection of the Physical and Life Sciences. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

Import this citation to:

Bibtext
EndNote
Reference manager

First Name
Last Name
Email (required)
I agree to receive emails from the National Academies (required)

We respect your privacy and will never share your information.

Search this publication

Front Matter i-xvi
Summary 1-8
1 Introduction 9-11
2 Grand Challenges 12-19
3 Societal Challenges 20-29
4 Common Themes at the Intersection of Biological and Physical Sciences 30-50
5 Enabling Technologies and Tools for Research 51-68
6 Enabling Research at the Intersection: Promoting Training, Support, and Communication Across Disciplines 69-90
Appendixes 91-92
Appendix A: Statement of Task 93-93
Appendix B: Meeting Agendas 94-98
Appendix C: Biographies of Committee Members 99-106

Log In

Former MyNAP users: You'll need to reset your password on your first login to MyAcademies. Click "Forgot password" below to receive a reset link via email. Having trouble? Visit our FAQ page to contact support.

Members of the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, or National Academy of Medicine should log in through their respective Academy portals.

Email (required)
Password (required)

Don't have an account?

Register

Email (required)
New password (required)
Retype password (required) Password must be at least 8 characters
I accept the terms of use
terms of use

Thank You

Thank you for creating a MyAcademies account!

Enjoy free access to thousands of National Academies' publications, a 10% discount off every purchase, and build your personal library.

Forgot Password

Enter the email address for your MyAcademies (formerly MyNAP) account to receive password reset instructions.

Email (required)

Reset Requested

We sent password reset instructions to your email . Follow the link in that email to create a new password. Didn't receive it? Check your spam folder or contact us for assistance.

Reset Password

New password (required)
Retype password (required) Password must be at least 8 characters

Reset Password

Your password has been reset.

Verify email

Verify Your Email Address

We sent a verification link to your email. Please check your inbox (and spam folder) and follow the link to verify your email address. If you did not receive the email, you can request a new verification link below

Research at the Intersection of the Physical and Life Sciences (2010)

Chapter: Appendix A: Statement of Task

Appendix A
Statement of Task

Publication information

Suggested citation

My Academies

Research at the Intersection of the Physical and Life Sciences (2010)

Chapter: Appendix A: Statement of Task

Appendix A Statement of Task

Appendix A
Statement of Task