Biotechnology Group

The Biotechnology Group is the focal point within the RSC for members who have an academic or industrial interest in the chemical aspects of biotechnology. 

The Group was formed in 1987, partly in response to the publication of the Spinks' Report in 1986 and has annually run conferences or symposia on a diverse range of topics, including:

• Biotransformations
• Plant and Microbial Metabolites as Drug Leads
• Proteomics
• Glycomics
• Biomarkers. 

It also runs Courses - in collaboration with the Bioupdate Foundation - with titles such as Freeze Drying of Biologicals and Pharmaceuticals, Protein Biotechnology in the 21st Century, and Understanding Polysaccharide Biotechnology. 

Aim

The aim of the Biotechnology Group is to further the interests of both academic and industrial members of the RSC in the subject of biotechnology. 

Remit

The remit of the Group is:

• to organise conferences and courses that (i) promote the advancement of knowledge in biotechnology and (ii) facilitate networking of its practitioners
• to interact with the RSC, the Society for Chemical Industry, the Biochemical Society and other interest groups, as appropriate, to facilitate broad ranging discussion of biotechnology issues
• to interact with subject groups in other RSC Divisions in order to exploit the multi-disciplinary nature of biotechnology to the benefit of the RSC in general
• to assist the Industry and Technology Forum and the Chemical Biology Forum in their work with government in order to enhance the understanding of the importance of biotechnology and the role of chemists within this diverse scientific discipline.