Pre-Workshop

Future of Mathematical Biology – Pre-Workshop

The Future of Mathematical Biology Workshop aims to provide a focused environment for in-depth discussions on the current “state of play” and the future of mathematical biology in the UK. During the workshop, attendees will be divided into working groups to explore the current state and open challenges in various areas of mathematical biology. The aim is to produce outcome reports that could lead to perspective or review articles.

Objectives:

Assess the state of Mathematical Biology in the UK
Identify future research directions
Identify and address skills gaps

Structure:

Survey Talks: Selected leading researchers will open the workshop with survey talks highlighting cutting-edge research and emerging opportunities.
Speakers and topics:

Philip Maini - Pattern formation and PDEs

Csilla Varnai - Data Science and Bioinformatics

Robert Insall - Data-driven modelling, Machine Learning, and IA

Philip Pierce - Mechanics

Ruben Perez-Carrasco - Dynamical systems
Breakout Groups: Participants will split into small groups to discuss key challenges and opportunities.
Reports: Key findings from each breakout group will be presented and discussed, identifying common goals and future directions.

Pre-Workshop Timetable – Wednesday 3 September 2025

Edgbaston Campus - Birmingham B15 2TT

Time	Session
09:30	Registration - Physics Bridge, first floor
10:00	Survey Talks - Poynting Building (School of Physics), Lecture Theater S02
11:20	Coffee Break - Physics Bridge, first floor
11:30	Breakout Discussion Groups 1 - Science Topics: Pattern formation and PDEs (led by Philip Maini) Data Science and Bioinformatics (led by Csilla Varnai) Data-driven modelling, Machine Learning, and IA (led by Robert Insall) Mechanics (led by Philip Pierce) Dynamical systems (led by Ruben Perez-Carrasco)
13:00	Lunch - Physics Bridge, first floor
14:00	Breakout Group Reports 1 - Poynting Building (School of Physics), Lecture Theater S02
15:00	Breakout Discussion Groups 2 - Beyond Science Topics: ED&I with a focus on the needs of ECRs (led by Ruth Bowness) Interdisciplinary and industry collaborations, from funding to impact (led by Tom Montenegro-Johnson) Training and Education: What does a Mathematical Biologist need to know? (led by Andrew Krause)
16:00	Coffee Break - Physics Bridge, first floor
16:30	Breakout Group Reports 2 - Poynting Building (School of Physics), Lecture Theater S02
17:30	Closing Remarks
18:30	Networking Dinner