Issues of imaging science for future consideration

Acceleration of the emergence of imaging science as a new discipline will require the development of new organizational structures to foster research and educational programs that integrate components of the traditional disciplines, all of which stand to benefit. However, the greatest impact of imaging science will likely be from computer-based general educational programs that present both visual and verbal materials utilizing software that is not only interactive but also analytic, diagnostic, and adaptive in response to individual students. Ultimately, this powerful learning paradigm will have profound effects on all aspects of our culture. Imaging science will not have emerged fully until the conceptual, organizational, educational, cultural, and ethical issues it raises have been addressed.