Life science infrastructures are different

Abstract

There are several basic components required for a successful scientific programme: sufficient funds, good people, a well‐equipped laboratory and research infrastructure. But the last requirement does not normally receive much attention, particularly in the life sciences. This is a bit surprising, given that, in other disciplines, it is nearly impossible to conduct an experiment without special equipment. Life sciences are different. In many fields of biology, it is possible to envisage significant research in the absence of any non‐routine infrastructure. Much of microbiology, virology, biochemistry, immunology, plant science and developmental biology research are performed with affordable and readily available equipment. The requirements of structural biology, such as X‐ray sources or computing resources, are more significant and reflect the physical nature of this field. Some other areas of the life sciences also need more sophisticated equipment, but these are often shared between research groups at a university or research institute. All of this seems to indicate that, for the most part, the lif sciences do not need any large‐scale research infrastructure, unlike disciplines that cannot function …