The physics in biology

Two conferences organised by ICTP have brought together some top researchers from biology and physics. One goal of these biology-themed conferences is the transfer of knowledge from one discipline to another.

An ongoing conference titled ‘From DNA-Inspired Physics to Physics-Inspired Biology’ aims not only to present how theoretical physics has been applied to various aspects in biology but also to understand the challenges biologists face so that collaborative efforts can be proposed to meet these challenges. Dr. Ralph Gebauer from the Condensed Matter and Statistical Physics (CMSP) section at ICTP is the local organiser for this conference co-sponsored by the Wellcome Trust, London.

The second conference, which runs from 8 to 12 June 2009, will focus on the evolution, dynamics and spatial organisation of biological networks. Dr. Matteo Marsili, again from CMSP, is one of the organisers. Researchers will try to answer questions about the architecture, evolution and function of biological networks from different viewpoints, including that of statistical physics.

On 10 June 2009, ICTP will play host to a seminar on the biophysics of certain components of the human brain. Dr. Rafael Rodriguez Rojas from the International Centre for Neurological Restoration, Havana, Cuba, will be the speaker.

For more details on these events, please visit the Scientific Activities Calendar.