# Systems Biology: A Foundation for Interdisciplinary Careers

> **NIH NIH R25** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE · 2021 · $299,902

## Abstract

We propose a program to enhance the training and career development of scientists who seek to
undertake interdisciplinary biological and biomedical research that draws upon ideas and tools from
mathematics, physics, engineering and computer science, as embodied by the young field of Systems Biology.
The program is centered upon a three-week intensive course at UC Irvine, followed by one to two years of
follow-up mentoring and career development activity. The course is intended for graduate students, postdocs
and more advanced scientists, both those with backgrounds in experimental biology—who typically need
additional preparation in mathematics and computation—and those with backgrounds in mathematics, physics,
engineering or computer science—who usually need additional preparation in the foundations of biology. We
aim to train around 20 individuals each year.
 The proposed program begins with a one-week preparatory workshop, followed by a two-week core course
in which lectures and laboratory modules will expose participants to cutting-edge interdisciplinary
methodologies and research topics. The program will also feature extensive mentoring and career-skill building
activities, including panel discussions, presentations, mentored team projects, and individually-guided
development of research or fellowship proposals. These activities will involve 27 UCI faculty with research and
teaching expertise in mathematics, physics, computer science, engineering and the biological sciences.
Outreach activities include dissemination of information through online resources and a systems biology
regional conference, as well as participation in workshops at interdisciplinary and minority conferences.
 The specific goals of the course include (i) conveying an understanding of Systems Biology and its
interdisciplinary nature; (ii) filling gaps in technical expertise and vocabulary, and developing a deep
understanding of mathematical models; (iii) acquainting participants with the challenges of collaboration and
communication in interdisciplinary research, (iv) fostering community building, and (v) enhancing career
development. Lecture materials (video-recorded), training datasets, and software tools will be made freely
available through on-line distribution to maximize outreach. Course administration and logistics will be handled
by the UC Irvine Center for Complex Biological Systems (CCBS), an NIH-designated National Center for
Systems Biology.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10229407
- **Project number:** 5R25GM126365-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA-IRVINE
- **Principal Investigator:** German Andres Enciso
- **Activity code:** R25 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $299,902
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-20 → 2024-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10229407

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10229407, Systems Biology: A Foundation for Interdisciplinary Careers (5R25GM126365-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10229407. Licensed CC0.

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