Biotechnology and Human Enhancement: Present Research and Future Perspectives

This book provides new insights in the role that biotechnology and human enhancement will play in the following years to come. Based on the experience and know-how of recognized scientists worldwide, a paradigm shift in advanced technologies is highlighted, merging academic and specialized research centers. Indeed, biotechnology and human enhancement play an essential role in emerging fields such as biosensing, medical technologies, and synthetic biology. These technologies are significant for several cross-disciplinary research activities ranging from medicine to electronics. The book promotes a visionary idea that will establish a more vital collaboration to help track down a roadmap for bringing innovative and breakthrough applications to address the key and emerging challenges for the upcoming years. The book is intended to offer a comprehensive overview for both students and experienced researchers about the main research activities developed in recent years that will help realize a more sustainable approach in modern bio-related applications.

Luciano De Sio is an Associate Professor at the Sapienza University of Rome - Italy. He leads a young and highly motivated research group in biotechnology, liquid crystals, nanotechnology, optics, and bio-photonics. Luciano spent more than five years in the United States as a senior research scientist at the Beam Engineering for Advanced Measurements Company (Orlando, Fl), collaborating closely with several relevant agencies. Luciano possesses extensive experience in photo-thermal therapy and reusable biosensors. He has co-authored 120 ISI-JCR publications in physics and biotechnology, several book chapters, 18 issued international patents, and delivered more than 50 scientific communications at conferences. Luciano has coordinated several projects of the European Office of Aerospace Research & Development (EOARD), supported by the U.S. Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) and the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate of the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). He is also the Project Director of an international Multi-Year Project supported by the NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme, aiming to realize a nanotechnology-inspired biosensor with photo-responsive liquid crystals.

Eyup Kuntay Turmus is currently advisor and programme manager for the Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme at the NATO Emerging Security Challenges Division. His main responsibility is the development and management of research and capacity-building activities for practical cooperation with NATO’s partners under the SPS Programme. These activities address key priorities such as emerging and disruptive technologies, explosives management and defence against CBRN agents.

He joined NATO following a 12-year career in the defence industry sector. In this capacity, he managed major national and international armaments programmes, involving industry, universities and research organizations.Eyup holds a PhD in technology management, a MSc in Management and Organisation and a BSc in Political Science and International Relations.