Chemical Biology and Bioorganic Group

Purpose and scope

The Chemical Biology and Bioorganic Group (CBBG) is one of the RSC's many Interest Groups. The Interest Groups are member driven groups which exist to benefit RSC members and the wider chemical science community, in line with the RSC's strategy and charter.

The application of chemical principles and techniques to solve biological problems encompassing but not limited to:

• The synthesis and biological study of biopolymers (peptides, oligonucleotides, glycans etc.) and their structural mimics
• The use of enzymes or micro-organisms as synthetic reagents (biotransformations)
• Use of chemical approaches to elucidation of biological (reaction) mechanisms
• The biosynthesis of secondary metabolites and the elucidation of biological reaction mechanisms
• The development of gene manipulation technology and genomic information
• Protein modification chemistries
• Development and implementation of enabling physical sciences methods to understand and manipulate biology (or biological systems)
• The synthesis of natural products and other biologically active or medicinal compounds

Aims

The RSC Chemical Biology and Bio-Organic Chemistry Interest Group aims to provide a platform for community networking and to provide strategic direction to this research area that aligns with modern social and cultural needs and with research funding agency priorities.

The CBBG seek to bring together and support the community of researchers working to develop novel chemical tools and technologies with applications in understanding biology and the synthesis of biological and biologically active molecules.

Benefits of joining this group

• Advance notice of relevant events, meetings and conferences and courses
• Reduced registration fees for meetings
• Networking opportunities
• General info of various topics associated with the interest group and related RSC Subject Communities
• Keeps members up-to-date with current developments within the sector and promotes Continuous Professional Development

Get involved

Activities

The Group organises a series of events including the annual Postgraduate Symposium, annual Forum and bi-annual Firbush meetings. We also sponsor other scientific meetings in the Chemical Biology and Bio-Organic research area as the need arises. Suggestions for meetings are welcomed, particularly joint meetings with other RSC Interest Groups or external organisations. The annual general meeting is held at the postgraduate symposium and is usually followed by a committee meeting.

Applications are welcome at any time of the year by applying to the CBBG travel grant scheme using the application form.

Forthcoming events

View forthcoming events organised by the Chemical Biology and Bioorganic Group.

Awards

Since 2023, we award the annual CBBG Lectureship, which recognises contributions from mid-career scientists to both research and community within chemical biology and bioorganic chemistry. The lectureship consists of a key-note presentation at one of our events.

We are delighted to announce that the 2025 CBBG lectureship award winner is Dr Anna Peacock, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the chemical biology and bioinorganic chemistry communities, as well as her exceptional research on the design of new-to-nature metalloproteins, including towards novel MRI contrast agents. Anna will present her award lecture at the CBBG 2026 Chemical Biology meets Drug Discovery meeting.

Please get in touch with the Networks Team if you would like to be sent a copy of last year’s annual report for the Chemical Biology and Bioorganic Group.

Keep in touch

The group issues e-alerts which provides links to group events and other relevant information which may be of interest to you

Committee

The committee members listed are responsible for designing programmes that will advance chemistry in the subject area, helping the RSC to meet its aims, engaging with and supporting our members.

We are always keen to welcome new members to the committee. When vacancies arise, we circulate a “Call for Committee”, where an email is sent to all members of the group to make them aware of new opportunities to join the committee.

It is important to have diverse representation on committees to consider the needs of our membership. All RSC members are welcome to stand for committee positions when vacancies are advertised.

Glossary for Committee Positions

Contact the Committee

For any queries about the interest group, please contact the Committee Secretary using the contact form, accessible via the button below.

Quick links and information

CBBG Lectureship

The lectureship recognises contributions from mid-career scientists to both research and community within chemical biology and bioorganic chemistry. Visit the CBBG Lectureship page for more details about the eligibility criteria and how to apply.

Contact us

Contact the Networks team with your queries.