Why do we use crystals to design new medicine?

Professor Naomi Chayen discussed her work and answered questions at the Royal Society of Biology's "Ask A Biologist" at the New Scientist Live event.

Members and Fellows of the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) delivered hands-on public engagement as part of the RSB’s ‘Ask a Biologist’ exhibition activity, with thousands of members of the public visiting over the four day event.

The ‘Ask a Biologist’ exhibition activity provided an opportunity for researchers to have an interesting and relaxed discussion with those attending New Scientist Live, with visitors encouraged to ask a key question to get the conversation started. Professor Naomi Chayen, was one of the biologists who engaged with the public and visitors were invited to ask: Why do we use crystals to design new medicines? Professor Naomi Chayen shares her experience of the festival and tells us why public engagement is so important. 

“It was a really interesting experience as there were people of all ages who attended, from children to 85 year olds all from a range of backgrounds from the general public to doctors, so it was a great opportunity to answer all their different questions.”

"Public engagement is important to me for two reasons. Firstly, I feel it is a sense of obligation, my research relies on public money and so I have a duty to share with the public what we are working on and what we want to achieve. Secondly, it’s a pleasure for me to share my work and I enjoy meeting and talking to all the different people, to see first-hand the interest they have in science through the range of questions they ask."

"My wish is that one day my research will find something that can really help improve medicine and it’s a pleasure to share what I’m trying to do with so many different people.”

Professor Chayen answers the question why do we use crystals to design new medicines?