International Conference on Mathematics in Biology

University Of Tennessee Knoxville, Knoxville TN

Investigators

Abstract

The investigators organize an international conference on mathematics in biology. The theme of the conference is "Interdisciplinary Connections and Living Systems." 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 to foster interactions between established researchers and junior researchers. The conference is linked with a short course on the mathematics of biological complexity designed for biologists, in order to provide opportunities as well for new collaborations to develop between empirical researchers and theoreticians. Quantitative approaches are becoming central to all components of research in the life sciences. With the rapid expansion of bioinformatics, computational biology, and proteomics, the underlying mathematical approaches that are essential to these fields are recognized as critical to further developments. Applications of mathematics to many areas that directly affect humans allows us to better evaluate the impacts of alternative management of natural systems, develop new techniques useful in biotechnology, and design more appropriate responses to health problems. The rapid developments in these areas require opportunities in particular for young researchers to gain perspective on the broad range of subjects that now define mathematical biology. The conference provides a method to carry this out as well as allowing younger researchers to participate in a formal mentoring program designed to enhance their ability to pursue a successful scientific career.