The overall aim of our STINT funded project was to create a scientific network of experts in key aspects of cell-material interface and to promote the use of novel approaches to study how physicochemical properties of material surfaces can affect cell (bacterial or mammalian) adhesion, proliferation and death under different environmental conditions. Our collaboration allowed an integrated experimental-theoretical approach to study the interactions between cells and abiotic surfaces. In the experimental approach we had a top down approach where we could monitor the macroscopic effects caused by the molecular level interactions. Through the computational simulations we had a bottom up approach where we observed how molecular level interactions formed and modulated attachment and repulsion. This approach was expected to offer a fundamental understanding of the physicochemical processes governing cell attachment, and how polymeric materials surfaces can affect cells.