Microbial genomics and the DoD mission: The DoD investment in microbial genomics is driven by medical and non-medical interests and by military operational requirements. In the medical area DoD is interested in developing technologies that provide health support and services to military personnel and that counter the threat of endemic infectious diseases and biological warfare agents. A major focus of the DoD investment in microbial genomics is therefore directed at developing genomic-based information, about infectious agents, that can be exploited for the rational design of therapies, vaccines, detection, and medical diagnostic strategies. In the non-medical area, DoD is interested in biotechnological approaches for developing new materials and managing the impact of DoD operations on the environment.
The Microbe Project is a project of the Office of Science & Technology Policy and the National Science & Technology Council, Committee On Science, Subcommittee on Biotechnology
