Which field combines biology and technology for research and development purposes?

The field that combines biology and technology for research and development purposes is biotechnology. This area applies biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof to develop or create different products and processes. Biotechnology encompasses various applications, from the creation of pharmaceuticals and biomanufacturing to genetic engineering and agricultural innovations.

Biotechnology leverages advancements in technology to manipulate biological information at molecular levels, enhancing our ability to understand and engineer organisms to improve health outcomes, food production, environmental sustainability, and more. This interdisciplinary approach is pivotal in fostering innovation in health care, agriculture, and other sectors, making the marriage between biology and technology fundamental to its mission.

In contrast, genomics focuses more specifically on the study of genomes and genetics, whereas molecular biology examines biological processes at a molecular level without necessarily incorporating technological applications extensively. Bioinformatics is related but primarily involves the use of computational tools to analyze biological data rather than emphasizing the development and application of new technologies in biological contexts. Thus, biotechnology is the most comprehensive answer that encapsulates the intersection of biology and technology for research and development.