Superfund Basic Research Program

Bioassay Network

Bioassay Network conference call, November 5, 2008
Audio File (45 minutes): Bioassay-confcall-Nov5-08.mp3

The NIEHS Superfund Basic Research Program has conducted research for the past 15 years to develop biological test methods for detecting toxic substances in the environment. Many of these methods have now matured to the point where more applied research is warranted. NIEHS-SBRP investigators have developed a number of chemical class specific short-term bioassays. If the sensitivity and selectivity of these bioassays can be standardized, it may be possible to design a test protocol that employs a battery of tests to characterize complex mixtures in sediment. Under the leadership of KC Donnelly (Texas A&M University SBRP), Bioassay Network participants are collaborating to tackle this challenge.

The Bioassay network has the potential to be a model for data sharing and knowledge networking among the SBRP’s fourteen programs nationwide. Why is this important? Our hypothesis is that collaboration among SBRPs, the EPA and other key agencies on a national level creates economies of scale and shared resources/tools that can help each individual university-based SBRP meet their research translation and community outreach aims. Studies suggest that effective transdisciplinary collaboration can stimulate innovation, inspire new directions in basic science, and enhance the positive role of science in society (Branscomb et al., 1998; Whiteman, 2007; Juma and Yee-Cheong, 2005).

Branscomb, Lewis M. and James Keller. 1998. Investing in innovation : creating a research and innovation policy that works. Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press.

Juma, Calestous, Lee Yee-Cheong, UN Millennium Project. and UN Millennium Project. Task Force on Science Technology and Innovation. 2005. Innovation : applying knowledge in development. London ; Sterling, Va.: Earthscan.

Whiteman, Lily. 2007. “Top Scientists Promote Innovative, Multidisciplinary Global Problem-Solving Strategies.” in National Science Foundation, Discoveries, accessed April 4, 2008, http://www.nsf.gov/discoveries/disc_summ.jsp?cntn_id=110848&org=NSF.

11/05 at 09:17 PM in Research Support Cores • Research Translation Core • (0) Comments