Renowned Biophysicist Joins ICTP Scientific Council

ICTP has appointed William Bialek, a physics professor at Princeton University, USA, to its Scientific Council.

Bialek is known for his multidisciplinary research that spans the fields of physics and biology. He has done ground-breaking work on the optimization of biological processes in the brain and in embryonic development. According to his website, he hopes that "diverse biological phenomena may be understandable through some unifying theoretical principles, in the physics tradition."

Bialek was recently elected to the US National Academy of Sciences.

ICTP Director Fernando Quevedo stated that Bailek's experience will be a valuable addition to the Scientific Council, particularly as the Centre prepares to venture into new research areas. "ICTP is trying to start a new research group on quantitative systems biology, and having a world expert on these matters will help us to guide our initiative in the best possible direction," he explained.

Quantitative systems biology is one of three new research initiatives--the others are energy and sustainability and computing sciences--outlined in ICTP's strategic plan, which was launched in 2010.

ICTP's Scientific Council comprises distinguished specialists in disciplines relevant to the Centre's activities who represent a broad geographical range. The Council advises ICTP on its programmes of activities, taking into consideration major academic, scientific, educational and cultural trends relevant to the Centre's objectives.