One of the holy grails in biology is the ability to predict functional characteristics from an organism's genetic sequence. Despite decades of research since the first sequencing of an organism in 1995, scientists still do not understand exactly how the information in genes is converted into an organism's phenotype, its physical characteristics. Functional genomics attempts to make use of the vast wealth of data from "-omics" screens and projects to describe gene and protein functions and interactions. A February 2020 workshop was held to determine research needs to advance the field of functional genomics over the next 10-20 years. Speakers and participants discussed goals, strategies, and technical needs to allow functional genomics to contribute to the advancement of basic knowledge and its applications that would benefit society. This publication summarizes the presentations and discussions from the workshop. Table of Contents Front Matter 1 Introduction 2 The GenotypePhenotype Challenge 3 Case Studies on Building Functional Genomics Tools in Diverse Systems 4 Understanding the Contributions of Non-Protein-Coding DNA to Phenotype 5 Advancing Research on the Environmental Regulation of Gene Function 6 Predicting Current and Future Sources of Variation in Quantitative Traits 7 Interpreting and Validating Results from High-Throughput Screening Approaches 8 Large Databases and Consortia 9 Big-Picture Challenges in Research, Education, and Training 10 Future of Functional Genomics References Appendix A: Statement of Task Appendix B: Workshop Agenda Appendix C: Planning Committee Biographies Appendix D: Speaker Biographies Appendix E: Acronyms and Abbreviations

On March 10-11, 2016, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine held a public symposium on potential U.S. government policies for the oversight of gain-of- function (GOF) research. This was the Academies' second meeting held at the request of the U.S. government to provide a mechanism to engage the life sciences community and the broader public and solicit feedback on optimal approaches to ensure effective federal oversight of GOF research as part of a broader U.S. government deliberative process. The first symposium, held in December 2014, examined the underlying scientific and technical questions surrounding the potential risks and benefits of GOF research involving pathogens with pandemic potential. The second symposium focused on discussion of the draft recommendations regarding GOF research of a Working Group of the National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity. This report summarizes the key issues and ideas identified during the second symposium. Table of Contents Front Matter 1 Introduction 2 The Draft National Science Advisory Board for Biosecurity Policy Framework, the Risk and Benefit Assessment, and Insights for the Policy Process 3 Issues for U.S. Policy 4 International Policy 5 Summing Up Bibliography Appendix A: Board and Committee Members of Collaborating Units Appendix B: Committee Biographies Appendix C: Symposium Agenda Appendix D: Speaker and Panelist Biographies Appendix E: List of Attendees

Quantum concepts hold the potential to enable significant advances in sensing and imaging technologies that could be vital to the study of biological systems. The workshop Quantum Science Concepts in Enhancing Sensing and Imaging Technologies: Applications for Biology, held online March 8-10, 2021, was organized to examine the research and development needs to advance biological applications of quantum technology. Hosted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, the event brought together experts working on state-of-the-art, quantum-enabled technologies and scientists who are interested in applying these technologies to biological systems. Through talks, panels, and discussions, the workshop facilitated a better understanding of the current and future biological applications of quantum-enabled technologies in fields such as microbiology, molecular biology, cell biology, plant science, mycology, and many others. This publication summarizes the presentation and discussion of the workshop. Table of Contents Front Matter Overview 1 Introduction 2 Quantum in Biology 3 Quantum for Biology 4 Biology for Quantum 5 Education, Training, and Workforce Needs References Appendix A: Statement of Task Appendix B: Workshop Agenda Appendix C: Organizing Committee Biographies Appendix D: Poster Presentations Appendix E: Acronyms and Abbreviations Appendix F: Tools and Technologies