Research for the Global Good: Supporting a Better World for All

Description

This timely book reveals, in layman's terms, the critical role that research has in the future of our planet. Author Daniel D. Watch is passionate about generating widespread support and understanding of the vast research opportunities at hand, whether through financing, political decision-making, education, laboratory construction, or through conducting the actual research. Watch sets the scene with an overview of the impact of research on the global economy; then explores specifics such as research into sustainability; the often controversial areas of biological and biomedical research, including proteomics, bioinformatics, stem cell and biocontainment research; and, nanotechnology and neuroscience. He then turns his critical eye toward the actual processes of research: the development and application of computer technology, collaborative international research, and the breakthroughs expected from the 'new' sciences developed in the last few decades. His conclusion is a call to action, a plea to all of us to support the type of exciting international 'blue-sky' research last seen 50 years ago with the moon-landing missions. This book is a rarity amongst its non-fiction peers - an accessible exploration of a challenging critical topic that is not only edifying, but sure to galvanise readers to action.

Author Dan Watch, an architect and partner at Perkins + Will, has been responsible for the design of several pre-eminent laboratory facilities, including facilities for chemical bioterrorism research, the US national biocontainment centre at the University of Texas, a new research centre at NASA, and projects in China.