The FAIRE grants scheme provides opportunity for researchers in 80 countries to publish their work and access one of the greatest structural science databases, says Suzanna Ward.
Science is a global effort. New discoveries should be possible by any curious and driven mind, regardless of economic circumstances.
Increased scientific research can also have a positive impact on a country’s economy. Pinto et al conclude by remarking on “the critical role research output plays in economic growth…”, a point echoed by Seperhdoust, who states “…due to the high impact of the scientific productivity variable on reducing income inequality, any measure to strengthen the level of scientific productivity in these countries is necessary and recommended”. This shows that enabling scientific research is one step on the path to improved economic outcomes.
The use of computational and informatics methods is especially conducive to the democratisation of science since hypotheses can be tested, changed and retested with minimal cost. This is the same reason why pharmaceutical and materials development industries use these approaches. These facts, together with our mission as a non-profit organisation to advance structural science for the public benefit, are why we offer grants to provide access to our structural chemistry database and software in over 80 eligible countries. The CCDC’s FAIRE grants have helped researchers to publish over 100 scientific articles since the programme launched in 2017.
Enabling scientific research is one step on the path to improved economic outcomes
The grants provide access to the world’s database of small-molecule organic and metal-organic crystal structures, the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD), plus software to search, use and gain insights from that data. The CSD and associated software is used by tens of thousands of scientists around the world, from big pharma and fine chemicals manufacturers to academics and biotech start-ups. It is used to discover new drugs, develop new materials and understand how molecular structure impacts properties. Our awards ensure that even more people can access this resource and be part of this global research community. There are currently 32 active grants in 22 countries — and we welcome applications at any time.
As a non-profit, charitable organisation it is thanks to our thousands of data depositors and licensed users in both industry and academia that these grants are made possible. We thank everyone in our community for helping to raise the accessibility of science worldwide, together we are helping to advance structural science.
Suzanna Ward is Head of Data and Community at the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre (CCDC)
- Find out more at ccdc.cam.ac.uk
