Stochastic Models and Experiments in Ecology and Biology

Dear Colleagues,

Living systems are characterised by the emergence of dynamical patterns within a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. Self-organized behaviors are observed in large communities of microscopic components—such as neural oscillations and gene network activity—as well as in ecological communities. Such regularities are deemed to be universal; namely, they depend on general mechanisms that are independent of the fine details that define the system. Understanding the emergent behaviour of such complex systems naturally leads us to consider mathematical models that encapsulate key features, whilst neglecting inessential complications. Therefore, complexity and self-organization arise on a macroscopic scale from the dynamics of these individual components, which evolve because of coupling terms. Within this scenario, probability theory and statistical mechanics play a crucial role in identifying models and explaining patterns.

The aim of this conference is to bring together scientists with different backgrounds (mathematics, biology, physics and computer science, theoreticians along with experimentalists), interested in macroecology, microbial ecology and evolutionary biology, to discuss important and recent research topics in these areas as well as exchange methods and ideas. The style of the conference will purposely be informal so as to encourage discussions.

Dr. Sandro Azaele
Dr. Samir Simon Suweis