Support of The Interface Of Three Areas OF Biomedical Science With The Mathematical Sciences

National Academy Of Sciences, Washington DC

Investigators

Abstract

Weidman 0109132 There are tremendous opportunities to increase our understanding of biological and biomedical research challenges through mathematical and statistical methods. But it is not easy for researchers to collaborate on these topics because of a historical gulf that separates the disciplines. In order to overcome that gulf, the Board on Mathematical Sciences of the National Research Council, in collaboration with the NRC's Board on Life Sciences, holds a workshop, involving some 70 people across the disciplines, to (1) stimulate some new collaborations and insights on the spot and (2) provide an introduction for mathematical scientists (disseminated via print and the Internet) of some mathematical research directions that contribute to important ongoing research in the biological and biomedical sciences. At the workshop, leading researchers in dynamical modeling of cellular functions, in modeling of disease states, and in neuroscience describe some of the major research challenges in their fields. They do not limit themselves to "mathematical" challenges; workshop discussions are focused on identifying the mathematical and statistical research that should be undertaken in order to advance the biological and biomedical research agendas. By involving a broad range of mathematical scientists, the workshop brings a number of different perspectives and ideas to bear on the open questions raised by the presentations. The aim is to stimulate a wide-ranging discussion and distill out the best ideas. The workshop's summary will be widely disseminated in order to give many more mathematical scientists the basic understanding needed to become engaged in biological and biomedical research.