Thematic series on emerging leaders in biological engineering: convergence and new directions.

Over the past two decades, the biological engineering research community has increased its efforts to promote 'Convergence'. Many research endeavors have thus involved the synergy of multiple perspectives and approaches from originally distinct fields towards driving creative innovative solutions to address many grand challenges that face our society. Here, we introduce the JBE thematic series on emerging leaders in biological engineering. The aim of the series is to disseminate the latest developments in research that integrate the principles of biology and engineering methodologies to address grand challenges in human health and the health of the planet. This thematic series highlights exciting new areas and emerging leaders who are addressing many of these challenges.