The 2012 GRC on Biointerface Science aims at bringing together scientists and engineers that work (and learn) in diverse fields of physics, chemistry, biology, biotechnology, materials science, diagnostics, medicine and environmental technologies. By presenting and discussing the latest fundamental research results dealing with the interactions between biomolecules of different chemical nature and origin and surfaces of various materials we will try to bridge the gap and enhance the intellectual interaction between molecular/cellular biology and the medical disciplines on the one side, and the physical and chemical sciences on the other side. This cross-disciplinary dialog is expected to enhance our quantitative understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern the response of complex macromolecular and/or biological systems when exposed to artificial surfaces and devices. By integrating engineers and materials experts into the discussion we hope to also contribute to the translation of the developed biomolecular concepts into the world of applications, e.g., biomedical devices, sensors, etc. that are urgently needed for diagnostic strategies and new medical treatments of human diseases, for process monitoring or in environmental technologies. By inviting young scientists and students to the conference we hope to also contribute to a paradigm shift in the way we train our young colleagues at the intersection of the natural sciences, medicine and engineering.