Invited speakers:
D. Rand (University of Warwick, United Kingdom))
H.L. Smith (Arizona State University, USA)

Abstract:

• Mathematical population dynamics is one of the oldest disciplines of theoretical biology, and has become a major subject in the study of ecological and other related problems. Different biological situations are described by a wide range of models, mathematically formulated as non-linear dynamical systems. Solutions of such systems show a rich variety of behaviour hinting at the possible complexity of biological interaction between individuals, populations and their environment.

Invited speakers:
R.M. Anderson (University of Oxford, United Kingdom)
K. Dietz (Tuebingen University, Germany)

Abstract:

• This session focuses on the mathematical modelling of the spread of infectious diseases in human and animal populations. In particular, we invite talks dealing with the effects of contact patterns, stochastic phenomena, multiple hosts and evolutionary aspects of infectious diseases.

Invited speakers:
M.S. Waterman (University of Southern California, USA)
P.G. Higgs (University of Manchester, United Kingdom)

Abstract:

• Focusing on the more theoretical and mathematical issues and advances in this exciting field of bioinformatics, this one-day session will include topics on DNA fragment assembly, sequence/protein comparison, sequence analysis, secondary and tertiary structure (prediction) of macro- molecules such as RNA, DNA and proteins, sequence analysis, and gene prediction.

Invited speakers:
J.A.J. Metz (Leiden University, the Netherlands)
(To Be Confirmed) S.C. Stearns (University of Basel, Switzerland)

Abstract:

• The last three decades have revolutionized the way we think about evolution at various levels of organisation. New theoretical ideas on topics as molecular evolution, genetic conflicts, frequency- and density-dependent selection, sexual selection, spatial interactions, or non-equilibrium dynamics have played a major role in this process. Still there are major challenges as, for example, the integration of genetic and phenotypic approaches to natural selection, or the incorporation of developmental genetics into evolutionary theory. Several of these topics will be addressed in this session. We will also consider the empirical relevance of present-day models and discuss whether new modelling approaches are required to improve the testability of evolutionary theories.

Invited speakers:
D. Willshaw (University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom)
(To Be Confirmed) T. Sejnowski (The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, USA)

Abstract:

• Understanding the brain in health and disease is perhaps the greatest challenge for science in the next century. Because the brain is an extremely complex and organised system from the molecular up to the behavioral level, this goal can not be achieved without modelling and computational approaches. This Session aims at emphasizing this role of Mathematical Modelling and Computer Simulation in Neuroscience. Participants are invited to present progress in understanding the structure, function and development the brain.

Invited speakers:
L.A. Segel (The Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel)
T.B. Kepler (North Carolina State University, USA)

Abstract:

• The immune system is a typical example of a complex system having many feedback interactions. Our intuition for understanding the functioning of the immune system is therefore markedly sharpened by studying mathematical models. These models involve regulatory networks, competition, and evolution. Recent mathematical work on the within-host dynamics of viruses like HIV, HBV, and HCV have had great impact on our understanding of such infections.

Abstract:

• We like to welcome contributions that highlight:
  • problems that relate individual dynamics to population performance mass and energy conservation at the population level
  • relationships between structured and unstructured population dynamics (effects of aggregation, simplification)
  • analyze structured population dynamics in terms of bifurcation analysis and transient behaviour
  • interactions between (structured) populations (food chains, food webs)

Abstract:

• Structure and Dynamics of Gene Networks: As molecular data about specific regulatory mechanisms of gene expression are rapidly accumulating, there is an increasing need for integrative and formal tools. This session aims to review the different theoretical approaches dealing with the dynamical analysis of gene networks. It will cover the analysis of specific functional modules, as well as methodologies addressing gene networks at the level of whole organisms. It will encompass some of the tools to derive the dynamical behaviour resulting from specific network structures, but also attempts to infer regulatory architectures from temporal and/or spatial data of gene expression.

Abstract:

• Recently, many advances have been made in understanding pattern formation in certain chemical and biological systems, and in the derivation of macroscopic models from observations at the microscopic level. This session will focus on the modelling and analysis of pattern formation in these areas.

Abstract:

• This session aims at developing a common thread through different biological systems (micro- and macro-parasites; single or multi-host) and different modelling approaches. Topics will range from parasite interactions within hosts, through classical host-parasite systems, up to parasites' effect on communities.

Abstract:

• The living cell is one of the most complex objects studied by the natural sciences and mathematics. To a great extent this complexity derives the great many processes that occur in parallel, in a highly coordinated manner. Most of these processes lead to steady states, but others give rise to stationary oscillations, or even more complex patterns in space and time. The networks that are responsible for these dynamic processes are structurally adaptable, as in a neural network. Intracellular 'compartments' are crowded with macromolecules. As a consequence of all this, functional processes of living cells are not controlled by a single 'rate-limiting' step in the corresponding metabolic pathway. Rather, control tends to be distributed over various levels of intracellular organisation, including metabolism, signal transduction, gene expression, and time, reflecting adaptation of the cell to earlier challenges. Only intensive mathematical modelling in conjunction with experiments entering the living cell, can make the living cell, and therewith the essence of life, understood. It will be the challenge of the next century to intensify the application of mathematics to cellular biochemistry. In this symposium, the most recent developments in theory and biomathematics concerning the living cell as a complex object, will be highlighted.

Abstract:

• This section will be devoted to major problems of mathematical modelling in cardiac electrophysiology. We are planing to discuss questions related to development of anatomically accurate models of the heart and human torso and questions on the best models for cardiac tissue. We also encourage participation of researchers interested in mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias and in development of new methods for fighting these diseases.

Abstract:

• Metapopulation models have been derived and analyzed for gaining insight into the dynamics of fragmented populations. The issue is still of interest, because of the ongoing destruction and fragmentation of habitat, and the hypothetical extinction vortex that may lead to extinction of many plant and animal species worldwide (also referred to as the extinction debt).

Abstract:

• This session on Toxicology focuses on the development of models of the toxic working mechanism of chemicals and radiation. The main emphasis is on the translation of model concepts into mathematical/computer models and the parameterisation and application of the latter.

Abstract:

• Particle based techniques (for example cellular automata,lattice gases, lattice Boltzmann method) are being applied in biological models at the molecular, complex, cel, individual, population and ecosystem level. This session will focus on the application and analysis of models that use any of these methods.

Abstract:

• This session focuses on the theoretical elucidation of the regulatory and dynamical properties of metabolic networks and of pathways of extracellular and intracellular signaling, as based on their stoichiometric and kinetic properties. Mathematical models concerning the whole variety of cellular mechanisms for energy transfer, phosphoryl transfer etc., for the action of different messengers, and for signaling via cell surface receptors or gap junctions are invited for presentation. Different modes of dynamic behaviour, such as amplification, oscillations, synchronization, transitions and multistationarity will be of interest. Attention is payed to the confrontation with experimental data. Besides the results of simulating specific systems new methods for the modelling of these types of nonlinear dynamic systems may be presented.

Abstract:

• Important classification problems in biology and medicine include taxonomy and clinical diagnostics. The recent availability of DNA sequence data has had a great impact on the mathematical research in taxonomy and this is a field in rapid progress. This session will focus on recent developments and new approaches.

• There will certainly be scientists willing to present interesting work at the conference that do not fit into one of the above sessions. The organising committee will evaluate the abstract submitted in this category separately and if possible organise a suitable way to include the presentations in the conference program.