The Biological Systems Science Division manages a diverse portfolio of fundamental research and technology development to achieve a predictive, systems-level understanding of complex biological systems to advance DOE missions in energy, climate, and environment. The division was formed from the merger of the formerly separate Life Sciences Division and the Medical Sciences Division.  Specific research areas include: Genomic Science Research

• Genomic Science Research - to underpin the development of biotechnology solutions for energy, the environment, and carbon sequestration. This program will develop genome-scale technologies needed to understand the function of microbial and plant systems, from proteomics to metabolomics to regulatory networks to ecogenomics. The Genomic Science goal is to develop the computational capabilities and systems needed to predictively design and model complex biological systems.
• DOE Bioenergy Research Centers - to accelerate genomics-based systems biology research to achieve the transformational breakthroughs in basic science needed for the development of cost-effective technologies to make production of next-generation biofuels from lignocellulose, or plant fiber, commercially viable on a national scale.

Radiochemistry and Instrumentation - supports fundamental research in radiochemistry and radiotracer development activities that include development of new methodologies for real-time, high-resolution imaging of dynamic biological processes in energy- and environment-relevant contexts.

Artificial Retina - utilizes the resources of the national laboratories in material sciences, engineering, microfabrication, and microengineering to develop unique neuroprostheses and continue development of an artificial retina to restore sight to the blind.

Low Dose Radiation Research - to understand and characterize the risks to human health from exposures to low levels of radiation.

Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (ELSI) - supports Office of Science interests in bioenergy, synthetic biology, and nanotechnology, including communication of the societal implications arising from these programs.

DOE Human Subjects Protection Program - to ensure compliance with Federal regulations and DOE Orders to protect human subjects.  All research conducted at DOE, supported with DOE funds, or performed by DOE employees must comply.

Scientific User Facilities

• Structural Biology - to develop and support DOE national user facilities for use in fundamental structural biology.
• DOE Joint Genome Institute to advance genomics in support of the DOE missions in energy, climate, and environment.

For additional information about these specific programs, please contact an appropriate staff member.