2. Scientific research
Multidisciplinary research (MDR)
Need for multidisciplinary research
Importance of multidisciplinary research
Recent trends in multidisciplinary biological science research
Summary
CONTENTS
Arun Naibi Lakshminarayana
3. SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
“Science is a term used for humankind’s incremental acquisition of understanding through
observation”.
- TIMOTHY MINCHIN
Arun Naibi Lakshminarayana
4. SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINES
Deconstruction of Science into
disciplines and sub disciplines is for
pedagogical reasons.
Creation is unified, undivided and
its entities are is in constant flux.
Arun Naibi Lakshminarayana
6. MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH
Multidisciplinary research (MDR) is an approach where more than one traditional disciplines are
integrated to carry out scientific research.
Multidisciplinary research involves drawing insights from multiple academic disciplines to
redefine problems outside normal boundaries and reach solutions based on a new understanding of
complex situations.
Arun Naibi Lakshminarayana
7. NEED FOR MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH (MDR)
Curiosity borne research Goal oriented research
Nature is complex. No discipline can be sufficient or complete in itself. Therefore, each and every
discipline is bound to take the help of other discipline in order to reach at a suitable conclusion.
Society’s problems are diverse, unique and are in critical need of an appropriate solution. No resolution
can be brought out by researching in isolation. Inputs from various related fields are crucial.
Objectivity and accuracy are essential goals of scientific research which is rightly fulfilled by
multidisciplinary research by comprehensive understanding and collective approach from various disciplines.
Arun Naibi Lakshminarayana
8. IMPORTANCE OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH (MDR)
• MDR is a holistic approach that integrates multiple different scientific disciplines to solve a research
problem efficiently.
• Facilitates exploration of fresh ideas and cross fertilization of techniques from varied disciplines. This
allows each other to apply and use tools and methodologies of a different field.
• MDR bridges theoretical and applied research, which can potentially address the problems in a
neglected research area.
• An opportunity for life long learning and keeping oneself up to date with contemporary scientific and
technological facts.
• Promotes networking with researchers in diverse field of science, resulting in highly innovative,
collaborative research projects.
Arun Naibi Lakshminarayana
11. EMERGING FIELDS IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Systems Biology
Sub disciplines: Molecular biology, Biochemistry, Computational mathematics
Modelling and discovering emergent properties, properties of cells, tissues and
organisms functioning as a system whose theoretical description is only possible using
techniques of systems biology
The renowned Human Genome Project is an example of applied systems thinking in
biology.
Quantum Biology
Sub disciplines: Quantum mechanics, Theoretical chemistry, Biology
Quantum biology uses various technologies to model biological interactions in light
of quantum mechanical effects.
Examples include study of photosynthesis, theory of vision, magnetoreception,
enzymatic activities.
Arun Naibi Lakshminarayana
12. EMERGING FIELDS IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Synthetic Biology
Sub disciplines: Biochemistry, Biophysics, Electronics, Molecular biology,
Designing and constructing biological modules, biological systems, and biological
machines for useful purposes in research, engineering and medical applications.
It deals with construction of novel artificial biological pathways, organisms or
devices, or the redesign of existing natural biological systems.
Nutrigenomics
Sub disciplines: Genetics, Food chemistry, Molecular biology
It focuses on identifying and understanding molecular-level interaction between
nutrients and other dietary bioactives with the genome.
Nutrigenomics studies the influence of genetic variation on nutrition by correlating
gene expression with a nutrient's absorption, metabolism, elimination or biological
effects.
Arun Naibi Lakshminarayana
13. EMERGING FIELDS IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Biomedical Engineering
Sub disciplines: Human Physiology, Anatomy, Medicine, Engineering
Biomedical engineering is the application of engineering principles and design
concepts to medicine and biology for healthcare (diagnostic / therapeutic) purposes.
Contributed technologies like biocompatible prostheses, various diagnostic and
therapeutic medical devices ranging from clinical equipment to micro-implants,
common imaging equipment such as MRIs and EKGs.
Biomimetics
Sub disciplines: Structural biology, Material science, Engineering
Biomimetics deals with imitation of the models, systems, and elements of nature for
the purpose of solving complex human problems.
Active topics include Biomineralization, Display technology, Biologically inspired
designing and robotics.
Arun Naibi Lakshminarayana
14. EMERGING FIELDS IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Biomechatronics
Sub disciplines: Neuroscience, Medicine, Electronics, Mechanics
Biomechatronic devices encompass a wide range of applications from the
development of prosthetic limbs to engineering solutions concerning respiration, vision,
and the cardiovascular system.
Cybernetics
Sub disciplines: Neuroscience, Computational mathematics, Engineering, Psychology
Cybernetics is the scientific study of how humans, animals and machines control
and communicate with each other.
It scientifically investigates concepts like learning, cognition, adaptation, social
control, emergence, convergence, communication and connectivity.
Arun Naibi Lakshminarayana
15. HOT RESEARCH AREAS IN BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Human Brain Project 3D Bio-printing Precision medicine Cryo-electron microscopy
Arun Naibi Lakshminarayana
16. TRAINING STUDENTS FOR MULTIDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH
Nobel laureate and President of the Royal Society of Chemistry, Professor Sir Harry Kroto
“…that the traditional chemistry/physics/biology departmentalised university infrastructures--which are
now clearly out-of-date and a serious hindrance to progress--must be replaced by new ones which actively
foster the synergy inherent in multidisciplinarity.”
A US Report, “Bio2010: Transforming Undergraduate Education for Future Research Biologists" that was
requested by the NIH and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute strongly recommended that undergraduate
biology education should incorporate mathematics, physics, chemistry, computer science, and engineering
until "interdisciplinary thinking and work become second nature.”
Prof. Venkataraman Ramakrishnan
Nobel laureate in Chemistry
Steve Jobs
Founder of ‘Apple’Arun Naibi Lakshminarayana
17. SUMMARY
Disidentification of oneself from the traditional sub disciplines of science realizing that
classifications into various specialized branches are meant only for pedagogical reasons.
Focusing on the scientific problem holistically and approaching it from different
directions possible to come up with an effective solution.
Developing wider and better perspective by diversifying domains, skills, and techniques
necessary to better equip for the modern day scientific research.
Arun Naibi Lakshminarayana
