Biological engineering – an engineering discipline crucial to the future of our civilization

Biological engineering is a new engineering discipline that is paving the way for new products and processes based on findings from biology. These allow for environmentally friendly production, use and disposal while at the same time creating high added value. Like any engineering discipline, biological engineering requires a sound university education, which is already being provided at many North American universities. The aim of the article is to motivate policymakers to take note of this development and to establish comparable departments and degree programs in the EU.