Convening Activities
Convening activities are critical for bridging gaps between mathematics and biology, and for uniting these disciplines over major questions of common interest. They are organized around broad conceptual themes common to mathematics and biology and highlight opportunities for mathematicians to develop new mathematics that have a direct impact on biology research.
These are open to participants from institutions worldwide, and aim to include researchers from both disciplines. Activities are designed to encourage discovery, stimulate collaborations among participants, and build a dialogue concerning the practice of research by mathematicians and biologists. Most convening programs will be held in the NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology space located in the John Hancock Center in downtown Chicago.
Past Convening Activities
 Random Dynamical Systems, with Applications in Biology |
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 Ecological Dynamics of Microbial Communities: new approaches |
 Emerging Directions Workshop 2024 |
Workshops
A Scientific Workshop at the NITMB is a week-long focused program in a specific area of current research at the intersection of biological and mathematical sciences.
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NITMB Workshops typically have only a few formal talks; the bulk of the time is allocated for discussions, brainstorming, informal chalk talks, with adequate time for initiating research projects within smaller groups. Workshop organizers are also expected to launch the workshop with a half-day tutorial that provides background to the scientific questions.
Long Programs
Each fall and spring, NITMB holds a Long Program (LP) that addresses one
or more of the five research themes supported by the NITMB.
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Long programs at the NITMB will consist of 4-10 weeks of concentrated activity in a specific area of current research interest at the intersection of biological and mathematical sciences.
Long Programs offer the opportunity for faculty, postdocs, and students to be in residence at the NITMB. Those in residence conduct research, collaborate with NITMB faculty and NITMB fellows, provide training opportunities for students, and engage with additional visitors, who are invited to attend their week-long workshops.
Emerging Directions
Workshops
Potential to Identify Emerging Research Directions: each winter the NITMB hosts an Emerging Directions Workshop in rapid response to new biological discoveries and new advances in mathematical approaches. These are intensive, multi-day gatherings on timely topics and challenges attended by outside participants and NITMB members. We anticipate that these are often identified for their rapid development during long program activities.