Systems biology involves developing the understanding of a biological system through the mathematical and computational modelling of the interactions of components of the system, leading to the expression of this understanding in qualitative and quantitative terms. A key feature that distinguishes the modern approach to Systems Biology is the aim of linking modelling with the huge volume and diversity of contemporary cellular and molecular data such as that coming from high-throughput, genome-wide and imaging technologies. Understanding of complex biological processes will allow us to tackle many important problems and will be crucial in addressing an enormously broad range of biological and medical priorities such as disease mechanisms, pharmaceutical drug discovery, drug target validation, and horticulture and agriculture.

Warwick Systems Biology (WSB) is an autonomous research centre led by its director Professor David Rand. It has its own staff, some of who have a joint appointment with another department, and its own dedicated accommodation. Professor Liz Wellington leads the Centre's microbiology activities and directs the 4m euro SYSMO grant led by the Centre. Staff seconded from within Warwick include Nigel Burroughs and Hugo van den Berg. Staff appointed from outside Warwick include David Wild, Jim Beynon, Paul Thornalley, Till Bretschneider, Katherine Denby, Magnus Richardson and Sasha Ott.

The University's thriving programme at the interface between the life sciences and the mathematical and physical sciences has included the Interdisciplinary Programme for Cellular Regulation (IPCR) and the MOAC (Molecular Organisation & Assembly in Cells) doctoral training centre. MOAC is funded by the Life Sciences Programme of the EPSRC. Over an 8-year period it will produce a minimum of 50 PhD postgraduate students with a uniquely broad interdisciplinary training in biology, chemistry, mathematics and computing.

MOAC and the Systems Biology Doctoral Training Centre are co-located with WSB on the top floor of Coventry House, immediately between Car Park 7 and Warwick Arts Centre. Directions can be found here.

Further information about the Centre can be obtained from Professor David Rand (d.a.rand@warwick.ac.uk). Potential applicants to the postgraduate programme should contact the Doctoral Training Centre direct.

Download our brochure here