Top Tech Challenges Of The Century
Thursday, 6. March 2008, 18:15:35
Scientists Identify 14 Major Hurdles Which Can Vastly Improve Quality Of Life On Earth
A panel of experts from around the world have identified 14 grand challenges for engineering that, if met, may significantly improve the quality of life on Earth.
The US Nationat Academy of Engineering(NAE) has revealed that the panels choices fall into four groups that are essential for humanity to flourish namely, sustainability, health, reducing vulnerability and joy of living.
The panel, established in 2006 at the request of the US National Science Foundation, met several times to discuss and develop the list of challenges. Its effort recieved worldwide input from prominent engineers and scientists as well as general public, through an interactive website. Even my suggestion was selected, about e-medicine, albeit some changes.
Over 50 subject-matter experts reviewed the panels conclusion.
The committee did not attempt to include every important challenge, nor did it endorse particular approaches to meeting those selected.
Instead of focussing on predictions or gee-whiz gadgets, it decided to identify what needs to be done to help people and the planet thrive.
Here is the list....
Advance health informatics
Stronger health information systems not only improve everyday medical visits, but they are essential to counter pandemics and biological or chemical attacks
Engineer better medicines
Engineers are developing new systems to use genetic information, sense, small changes in the body, assess new drugs, and deliver vaccines
Advance personalised learning
Instruction can be individualized based on learning styles, speeds, and interests to make learning more reliable
Provide access to clean water
The world's water supplies are facing new threats, affordable, advanced technologies could make a difference for millions of people around the world
Make solar energy economical
Solar energy provides less than 1% of the world's total energy, but it has the potential to provide much more
Manage the nitrogen cycle
Engineers can help restore balance to the nitrogen cycle with better fertilization technologies and by capturing and recycling waste
Reverse engineer the brain
The intersection of engineering and neuroscience promises great advantage in health care, manufacturing, and communication
Engineer the tools of scientific discovery
In the century ahead, engineers will continue to be partners with scientists in the great quest for understanding many unanswered questions of nature
Provide energy from fusion
Human-engineered fusion has been demonstrated on a small scale. The challenge is to scale up the process to commercial proportions, in an efficient, economical, and environmently benign way
Develop carbon sequestration methods
Engineers are working on ways to capture and store excess carbon dioxide to prevent global warming
Prevent nuclear terror
The need for technologies to prevent and respond to a nuclear attack is growing
Secure Cyberspace
Its more than preventing identity theft. Critical systems in banking, national security, and physical infrastructure may be at risk
Enhance Virtual reality
True virtual reality creates the illusion of actually being in a different space. It can be used for training, treatment and communication
Restore and improve urban infrastructure
Good design and advanced materials can improve transportation and energy, water and waste systems and also create more sustainable urban environments
A panel of experts from around the world have identified 14 grand challenges for engineering that, if met, may significantly improve the quality of life on Earth.
The US Nationat Academy of Engineering(NAE) has revealed that the panels choices fall into four groups that are essential for humanity to flourish namely, sustainability, health, reducing vulnerability and joy of living.
The panel, established in 2006 at the request of the US National Science Foundation, met several times to discuss and develop the list of challenges. Its effort recieved worldwide input from prominent engineers and scientists as well as general public, through an interactive website. Even my suggestion was selected, about e-medicine, albeit some changes.
Over 50 subject-matter experts reviewed the panels conclusion.
The committee did not attempt to include every important challenge, nor did it endorse particular approaches to meeting those selected.
Instead of focussing on predictions or gee-whiz gadgets, it decided to identify what needs to be done to help people and the planet thrive.
Here is the list....
Advance health informatics
Stronger health information systems not only improve everyday medical visits, but they are essential to counter pandemics and biological or chemical attacks
Engineer better medicines
Engineers are developing new systems to use genetic information, sense, small changes in the body, assess new drugs, and deliver vaccines
Advance personalised learning
Instruction can be individualized based on learning styles, speeds, and interests to make learning more reliable
Provide access to clean water
The world's water supplies are facing new threats, affordable, advanced technologies could make a difference for millions of people around the world
Make solar energy economical
Solar energy provides less than 1% of the world's total energy, but it has the potential to provide much more
Manage the nitrogen cycle
Engineers can help restore balance to the nitrogen cycle with better fertilization technologies and by capturing and recycling waste
Reverse engineer the brain
The intersection of engineering and neuroscience promises great advantage in health care, manufacturing, and communication
Engineer the tools of scientific discovery
In the century ahead, engineers will continue to be partners with scientists in the great quest for understanding many unanswered questions of nature
Provide energy from fusion
Human-engineered fusion has been demonstrated on a small scale. The challenge is to scale up the process to commercial proportions, in an efficient, economical, and environmently benign way
Develop carbon sequestration methods
Engineers are working on ways to capture and store excess carbon dioxide to prevent global warming
Prevent nuclear terror
The need for technologies to prevent and respond to a nuclear attack is growing
Secure Cyberspace
Its more than preventing identity theft. Critical systems in banking, national security, and physical infrastructure may be at risk
Enhance Virtual reality
True virtual reality creates the illusion of actually being in a different space. It can be used for training, treatment and communication
Restore and improve urban infrastructure
Good design and advanced materials can improve transportation and energy, water and waste systems and also create more sustainable urban environments
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