Increasing Specialization of Biological Disciplines Makes Addressing Multidisciplinary Research Questions Difficult

Sixty-percent of the 902 respondents to a Science Advisory Board Instant Poll believe that biologists are loosing track of the big picture by specializing in narrowly defined biological fields. In response to this growing realization, many academic centers are developing multidisciplinary programs designed to integrate knowledge and develop models of biological systems across organizational levels and at multiple spatial and temporal scales.

ARLINGTON, VA -- November 17, 2002 -- Sixty-percent of the 902 respondents to a Science Advisory Board Instant Poll believe that biologists are loosing track of the big picture by specializing in narrowly defined biological fields. In response to this growing realization, many academic centers are developing multidisciplinary programs designed to integrate knowledge and develop models of biological systems across organizational levels and at multiple spatial and temporal scales. No single discipline has the perspective and intensity to overcome the challenges inherent in discovering the structure, organization, and mechanics of complex biological systems," states Dr. Tamara Zemlo, Director of The Science Advisory Board.

Ones expertise in a specific biological discipline can often be supplemented by input from engineers, chemists, physicists, and computer scientists when hoping to more effective experiments. A team-like approach where specialists can work together to solve biological problems maximizes the skills and talents of each individual and minimizes any professional shortcomings. This approach is proving invaluable in dealing with the large amounts of information available on genes and proteins when figuring out how these molecules are integrated into a biological system.

Not only does multidisciplinary research pay out in terms of addressing fundamental scientific questions, it also has more tangible rewards. For instance in the area of drug discovery, completely new research tools, products and processes have arisen from uniting traditional molecular biology and biochemistry through high throughput analyses, robotics and predictive mathematical modeling.

ABOUT THE SCIENCE ADVISORY BOARD

The Science Advisory Board is an online panel of more than 13,600 scientists, physicians and other life science and medical professionals from 62 countries. By convening electronically, Science Advisory Board members participate in online studies to voice their opinions on issues that directly affect the evolution and development of the tools and techniques of their professions. The Science Advisory Board is currently conducting ongoing studies in other exciting areas of the life sciences. Scientists can contribute their own views on the tools and techniques of their field by participating at http://www.scienceboard.net. The Science Advisory Board was organized in 1997 by BioInformatics, LLC (http://www.gene2drug.com), a research and consulting firm located in Arlington, VA.

CONTACT:
Dr. Tamara Zemlo
Director, Scientific & Medical Communications
The Science Advisory Board
2111 Wilson Blvd, Suite 1200
Arlington, VA 22201
703.525.3872 x360 phone
t.zemlo@scienceboard.net
http://www.scienceboard.net

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