Prof. Ruth Baker (University of Oxford)

Abstract

Simple mathematical models have had remarkable successes in biology, framing how we understand a host of mechanisms and processes. However, with the advent of a host of new experimental technologies, the last ten years has seen an explosion in the amount and types of quantitative data now being generated. This sets a new challenge for the field – to develop, calibrate and analyse new, biologically realistic models to interpret these data. In this talk I will showcase how quantitative comparisons between models and data can help tease apart subtle details of biological mechanisms, as well as present some steps we have taken to tackle the mathematical challenges in developing models that are both identifiable and can be efficiently calibrated to quantitative data.

About the speaker

Ruth Baker is a Professor of Applied Mathematics at the Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford where she leads the Quantitative Developmental Biology Group (part of the Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology). The groups focus is on developing and applying novel mathematical and computational methodologies and modelling frameworks for investigating developmental biology systems at the cell and tissue level.  The aim in developing new methodologies is to facilitate the development of biologically realistic models that, used in tandem with experiments, can provide fundamental insights into the key biological mechanisms underlying embryo development. In this way, an important part of their work is multidisciplinary collaboration with theoreticians, life scientists and clinicians both within Oxford and further afield.

Website: https://www.iamruthbaker.com/