Editorial: Call for a knowledge-based bio-economy in life science engineering A ‘‘Knowledge-based Bio-economy’’ shall be the foundation of our future existence [1, 2]. This is a big plan and a great promise coined by the European Commission. The recent report on this topic is a validated, profound and consistent analysis of the current situation. A fundamental change from fossil resources to renewable feedstock will be a mandatory prerequisite for the survi- val of mankind in peace and pros- perity. It is pointed out that we need an efficient but sustainable handling of crops and cattle to serve the worlds’ need of food. To achieve this a transfer of knowledge to practical applications in soil and water management as well as agriculture and fishery is needed. Moreover, there are arguments that we need to develop and apply new concepts of biorefineries. Some of us will realize that the terms technology and engineering are not frequently used and that this point has a lower importance. In September 2010 the German ‘‘Bio- o ¨ konomierat’’ published its report ‘‘Innovation Bioo ¨ konomie’’ (to be translated to ‘‘Innovation in bio- economy’’) [3]. Here, product and technology development is empha- sized, yet not enough according to the editor’s opinion. Subliminal disap- proval and fear is commonly perceived when biogenic value crea- tion gets connected with develop- ments in engineering and technology. Our journal Engineering in Life Sciences reflects the trends and needs of engineers applying their tools to living systems for a sustainable evolution of mankind; sustainable in the sense of economic efficiency, social development and protection of the environment. In 2010 two special issues provided evidence of our strong focus on technology and engineering in the life sciences discipline. In a full Special issue devoted to biogas (edited by Georg G . ubitz, Andreas Gronauer and Hans Oechsner) recent developments in energy production from biomass are discussed. It includes microbial ecology, measuring and modelling of the processes, bior- eactor and plant design in conjunction with economic aspects [4]. The issue ‘‘From systems biology to biosystems engineering’’ (edited by An-Ping Zeng) highlights that we can now accom- plish the important steps from the theoretical concept of mathematical formulas and analysis of biological systems to real applications in process engineering [5]. Consequently this current issue that is not focussing on a special topic is the felicitous example of what Engineering in Life Sciences wants to stand for. The papers in this issue range from new techniques for high-throughput screening [6] through fundamental biosensor development [7] and meta- bolic engineering [8], and finally to applications in the fields of biofuels and environmental biotechnology. All articles fulfil the requirements of the aims and scope of the journal ‘‘Concentration on technology rather than on fundamental biological phenomena, it provides particularly useful insights into engineering applications.’’ This focus was also discussed at the first complete meet- ing of the Engineering in Life Sciences editors during the ‘‘28. Jahrestagung der Biotechnologen’’ in Aachen, Germany, in September 2010 (see image). At this meeting we discussed the strengths of the journal and future focus topics. So, what is the plan for 2011? We will cover a wide range of subjects The people behind Engineering in Life Sciences at the ‘‘28. Jahrestagung der Biotechnologen’’ in Aachen, September 2010. From left to right: Atanas Pavlov, Kenneth Reardon, Uta Schaefer, An-Ping Zeng and Thomas Bley. Engineering in Life Sciences reflects the trends and needs of engineers applying their tools for a sustainable evolution of mankind. & 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim http://www.els-journal.com Eng. Life Sci. 2011, 11, No. 1, 3–4 3