This autumn, the Max-Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG) and the Center for Systems Biology Dresden (CSBD) are hosting two scientists as part of the ELBE Visiting Faculty Program of the CSBD. Lin Wan will be visiting until the end of October, and Thomas Fai will be in Dresden until the end of November. Lin is a professor in the Academy of Mathematics and Systems Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (Beijing, China). Thomas is an associate professor in mathematics at Brandeis University (Waltham, MA, USA). In addition to being applied mathematicians, both of them are quite fascinated by the numbers behind biological problems, which makes them perfect candidates for bridging the works of CSBD, MPI-CBG, and the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Complex Systems (MPIPKS).

Lin, currently working on developing mathematical and machine-learning methods to understand complex biological datasets, came across the program through social media and was immediately intrigued. Particularly interested in the works of local mathematicians Heather Harrington and Ivo Sbalzarini, Lin has also had fruitful discussions with Anne Grapin-Botton and Michael Weber. Thomas had already visited the MPIPKS for the Fluid Physics of Life workshop in 2019 and realized the immense potential of the Dresden scientific community. He is currently developing theoretical models to determine how cellular geometry and intracellular transport are controlled and has had inspiring discussions with Pierre Haas, Christina Kurtzhaler, Heather Harrington, and Stephan Grill.

While both agree that the three months of this program may be quite short, Lin and Thomas are looking forward to building productive collaborations. “I think it is a good opportunity to extend my research field, especially since there is a great biology program here,” says Lin. Thomas adds, “I would encourage anyone with a biological problem involving geometry or mechanics to come and talk to me.”

The ELBE Visiting Faculty Program provides funded opportunities for researchers at different career stages. Visiting scientists closely interact with the CSBD and both Max Planck Institutes (MPI-CBG and MPIPKS). Through this program, the CSBD promotes networking between scientists and thereby fosters the community’s sharing of its research mission.