3
Wrap-up and Next Steps
The workshop was not designed to end with final consensus or recommendations, and none are given here. However, certain points of discussion resonated with participants:
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New Biology can help achieve carbon neutrality in food and biofuel. Discussion throughout the workshop centered on impact, projected time lines, and the many different aspects of science and technology to be integrated and focused.
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Basic, foundational research in plant science has many gaps that need to be filled to achieve carbon neutrality as well as the many other plant improvements discussed. By focusing on the kinds of societal needs discussed here, this research could inspire the necessary support and enabling technologies essential for meeting the challenges.
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Different approaches will be necessary to engage stakeholders with very different perspectives, areas of expertise, and needs in these issues. The public and policy makers may respond best to projected problems related to food, energy, the environment, and health, and how New Biology approaches can lead to cures. Diverse scientific communities need to be inspired and excited about the research to find solutions. If the “top talents” of the future—whether they become biologists, physicists, computational scientists, or other experts—are inspired through public out-reach and educational opportunities, they, too, will join in the pursuit.