The importance and future of biochemical engineering.

Today's Biochemical Engineer may contribute to advances in a wide range of technical areas. The recent Biochemical and Molecular Engineering XXI conference focused on "The Next Generation of Biochemical and Molecular Engineering: The role of emerging technologies in tomorrow's products and processes". On the basis of topical discussions at this conference, this perspective synthesizes one vision on where investment in research areas is needed for biotechnology to continue contributing to some of the world's grand challenges.