Founded May 14, 1936

    The Bureau of Biological Research is one of the oldest research organizations in the life sciences at Rutgers University. Founded in 1936 by members of the Rutgers College of Arts and Sciences Departments of Bacteriology, Botany, Physiology and Biochemistry, and Zoology its purpose was to "promote biological research through the cooperative efforts of its members."   As such, it was the first organization in the sciences at Rutgers that was dedicated to the promotion of collaborative, interdisciplinary research.    

    The Bureau began through an informal meeting held on May 14, 1936 in the Presidents Dining Room by the members of the various Biological Departments. Dr. Alan Boyden (Zoology) was elected as Chairman, pro tem and Dr. Marion Johnson as temporary Secretary-Treasurer.

    On May 21, at their first formal meeting, a set of bylaws was adopted, Dr. Boyden was elected as the Chairman of the Bureau, Dr. Johnson was elected as the Secretary Treasurer for 1936 -1937

The minutes for the meeting conclude with a press release that included the following statements.

      "A 'Bureau of Biological Research' has been organized at Rutgers University according to an announcement by President R.C. Clothier today. The Bureau at present consists of the staffs of the four biological departments of Bacteriology, Botany, Physiology and Zoology in the College of Arts and Sciences, and has been established to facilitate cooperative research especially in the borderland fields.  This formal recognition of the long standing and friendly sharing of intellectual and material resources in biology at Rutgers is intended to enlarge and improve the service rendered to the state and nation. During the past 25 years, Rutgers has prepared 350 men for medical school, 100 men for teaching and research besides giving instruction in general biology to at least 400 other men. Research activity in biology is a prerequisite to successful teaching, and the encouragement and support of research are therefore important means of assuring satisfactory instruction.

    During recent years there has been increasing recognition of the value of cooperative research not only among scientists themselves but also among those individuals and foundations having funds to distribute for the support of research. A cooperative group organized solely for research will therefore be in a stronger position to seek financial support than are single departments.................."