Ille C. Gebeshuber
Institute of Microengineering and Nanoelectronics, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Institute of Applied Physics, Vienna University of Technology, Austria
Aramis Technologies Sdn. Bhd., Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
gebeshuber@iap.tuwien.ac.at
Presented in the Embryo Physics Course, January 18, 2012
Abstract
One of the fascinating aspects of nanotechnology is that on the nanometer scale all the natural sciences meet and intertwine. Physics meets life sciences as well as engineering, chemistry, materials science, tribology and computational approaches, which altogether communicate and are closely linked. The methods, concepts and goals of the respective fields converge. This inherent interdisciplinarity of nanotechnology poses a challenge and offers an enormous potential for fruitful cross-fertilization in specialist areas. Nanobioconvergence denotes the merging of life sciences, especially biology and bionanotechnology, with nanoscience and nanotechnology, focusing on the technical connection of these particular technologies as well as on the unified opportunities and challenges they present to human nature and our values. Nanobioconvergent technologies are most useful when applied to specific problems where innovative solutions can be provided through leveraging varieties of technologies.
The emergence of nanobioconvergence happens in an atmosphere of dissolution of the strict borders between classical disciplines. New findings in the natural sciences and the development of new technologies enhance the possibilities and range of interference with matter in general.
New observation tools such as the atomic force microscope allow for investigation of matter on an ever-decreasing length scale. Biomolecules can be investigated in action. The new tools and methods also allow for manipulation on the scale of nanometers. Engineering at the molecular level, tailoring new structures and materials, even building of machine-like devices at this scale is increasingly becoming possible. The basis for such technological applications is the knowledge revealed in the biosciences as well as in nanoscience. Similar themes are now approached from different perspectives and disciplines, resulting in a fruitful exchange of concepts, methods and tools. As the tools of investigation can also be used for manipulation and generation of structures, new areas of application are attracting interest from manufacturers.
Bionanoscience focuses on the molecular building blocks of living cells. Nanotechnology enables the study and control of biomolecules, delivering new insights into surface properties as well as into the working of biological cells themselves. Nanobioconvergence potentially will revolutionize our understanding and practice of medicine. The integration of new molecules into cells allows for extended manipulation of cellular functions, such as gene regulation. These new possibilities are further investigated in the emerging new field of synthetic biology.
In manipulating the building blocks of matter, nanobioconvergence has implications on various areas – including health, environmental and social issues. Therefore, prospects, problems and potential risks are an important issue. Technological, environmental, societal, health, and safety issues must be addressed in research, societal studies, regulatory measures, and government policies. Societal implications of converging technologies should be judged using a balanced approach between the goals (leading to envisioned societal benefits) and unexpected consequences (which could be a combination of unexpected benefits and risks).
Presentation
/files/presentations/Gebeshuber2012.pdf
Biography
Prof. Ille C. Gebeshuber is a University Professor of Physics from Austria, Europe. She is expert in Nanotechnology, Biomimetics and Tribology. She was born on April 10, 1969, in the small city Kindberg in Austria, Europe. On the schoolbus, when she wrote a message on the window to a friend who was outside, she discovered that – a natural lefthander – she can write in mirror. She uses this ability to stimulate the right side of her brain and thereby her creativity and cross-border thinking. This has had major influence on her scholarly development and achievements – unlike most other physicists and engineers her approach to science is wide and holistic, and inherently trans- and interdisciplinary, bridging over also to the arts and the social sciences.
Since 2009 she has been at the Institute of Microengineering and Nanoelectronics at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. Her permanent position is at the Institute of Applied Physics at the Vienna University of Technology. Prof. Ille is associate editor of the IMechE Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science (SAGE Publishing, London, UK), editorial board member of various scientific journals, editor of a book on biomimetics by Springer Scientific Publishing and author of two books. Since 2011 she has been scientific advisory board member regarding nanotechnology for the Lifeboat Foundation, a US American think tank safeguarding humanity. Her research interests comprise the use of nanotechnology and biomimetics to address global challenges for humankind.
Prof. Ille C. Gebeshuber serves on various international strategy boards. She has been acting as reviewer and advisor for agencies, universities, research institutions and public bodies. Prof. Ille is doing extensive public science outreach work and her professional activities are widely covered in the media. She loves to go on rainforest expeditions with her students, who come from different cultures and different fields (Europe & Asia, physics, engineering, biology, veterinary medicine, applied arts, fine arts).
Her research interests are located at the interface of biology, engineering and the arts, systems thinking and nanotechnology. The media extensively cover her research and professional activities. She is advisor in various expert panels, including the Science Advisory Board (Arlington, USA), the Strategy Board of the Austrian Center of Competence for Tribology (Wiener Neustadt, Austria), QS University Rankings and the ISESCO Expert Panel on Nanotechnology.
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