Face to Face: the UK Chemistry Biology Interface

In order to have a better understanding of the role of chemistry in biological research today, the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) commissioned 'Face to Face: UK Chemistry Biology Interface',  which was carried out by People Science & Policy Ltd (PSP) during 2007. BBSRC, EPSRC, MRC and the Wellcome Trust contributed funding to this project.

The overall aim was to provide evidence to underpin recommendations to academic and other research institutions and to funding bodies in the UK regarding how best to foster high quality research across the chemistry-biology interface. It was also the intention to provide insight for other research at the interface between disciplines.

The project comprised:

• interviews with the BBSRC, EPSRC, MRC and the Wellcome Trust (spring 2007) 
• a review of the existing literature on interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary research and research at the chemistry biology interface 
• an Internet survey of 446 scientists working at the chemistry-biology interface (May/June 2007) 
• six follow-up case studies with survey respondents, which involved 27 researchers (July/August 2007).