Our group uses bioinformatic methods and mathematical modelling to study the basic processes of life. Biological research now relies on the generation and analyses of large amounts of quantitative data, coming for example from nucleic acid sequencing and mass spectrometry. Such data need to be processed, quantified and put in context. This is done using software tools and statistics.
Based on the information acquired from experiments and existing literature one can build mathematical models that can then be simulated under various conditions. The success or failure of reproducing observed behaviours tell us if we adequately understand the mechanisms of life. This activity is an important part of what is now called “systems biology”. The systems biology paradigm recognises that the behaviour of any living system emerges from the interactions between many of its components and cannot be fully understood by studying those components in isolation.
The main biological focus of the group is to understand how cellular and molecular systems interpret signals from their environment and adapt their behaviour as a consequence. This entails understanding how the various cells receive and transduce signals, the interplay of different signalling pathways, and the final outcome for cell physiology, including gene expression and cell fate. Our main biological models are the synaptic signalling between neurons of the central nervous system, and the maintenance and differentiation of stem cells.
For more information about our work, you can look at the description of some projects and
Working with us
If you are interested in working with us at the Babraham Institute, have a look at the proposed positions.