Non-biomedical

The term 'non-biomedical' describes anything that is not directly related to the biological sciences, particularly medicine and healthcare. It encompasses fields, disciplines, and areas of study outside the purview of biology and its applications in diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases or enhancing health. This can include diverse areas such as engineering, social sciences, humanities, and technology. The focus is often on aspects unrelated to the human body, biological processes, or clinical practice. These areas may intersect, but the core characteristic is a lack of direct connection to biological research or medical treatment. This term is frequently used in grant applications, research proposals, and academic discussions to delineate scope and identify exclusion criteria.

Non-biomedical meaning with examples

• The research grant specifically excluded non-biomedical research, focusing instead on the development of new drug therapies and medical devices. This meant studies in fields like artificial intelligence (AI) for educational software were ineligible, even if the AI was related to understanding medical information.
• To study the social impacts of healthcare policies, we need non-biomedical research, examining factors like patient access, societal perceptions, and economic implications. These aspects provide context beyond the direct biological effects of interventions or treatments.
• The university library categorized journals into biomedical and non-biomedical sections; books about the history of art were included in the non-biomedical section as they did not relate to health or biology or any aspect of clinical medicine.
• When evaluating ethical considerations, non-biomedical factors include data privacy, user consent, and the societal consequences of using technology. The analysis considers a broad range of impacts beyond the patient's biological condition.
• A funding panel often allocates funds differently depending on if it's biomedical or non-biomedical. For example, a grant for researching cancer treatment and a grant to support an artist are often valued completely differently.