International Conference on Mathematical and Theoretical Biology

University Of California-Davis, Davis CA

Investigators

Abstract

Mogilner 0107388 Mathematical and theoretical biology is a vital and rapidly growing subject that complements empirical work and provides model systems for study and manipulation. Such model systems can sometime suggest shortcuts when the experimetal work is difficult. More often, the models provide novel tools to disect complex biological phenomena in addition to traditional techniques. The current challenge in the field is to make quantitative modeling, on the one hand, a part of the process of fundamental biological discovery, and, on the other hand, applicable in biomedical and biotechnological situations. This requires researchers with biological skills and mathematical insight and facility. At this time such individuals are rare. The investigator and his colleagues organize an International Conference on Mathematical and Theoretical Biology at Hilo, Hawaii on July 15--19, 2001. The goals of the meeting are to highlight current top-level research, to provide a perspective on future research areas, to provide opportunities for career development to junior researchers and underrepresented categories of researchers, to foster interactions between established researchers and junior researchers and between theorists and experimentalists. The meeting highlights exciting traditional and new areas of rapid growth in mathematical biology, such as theoretical ecology and evolution, quantitative cell biology, proteomics, mathematical modeling in medicine and mathematical physiology and immunology. Plenary speakers both give a broad overview of their field and focus on areas for future research. Additional contributed and poster sessions are organized to give junior researchers the chance to be heard. Mathematical and theoretical biology is a young interdisciplinary field of science that provides quantitative models in biology. These models provide novel tools to disect complex biological phenomena. The current challenge in the field is to train researchers with biological skills and mathematical insight and facility. The conference helps to highlight current top-level research and provides opportunities for career development to junior researchers and underrepresented categories of researchers.