Mathematical modelling is an important tool for solving biological questions and providing new insights which benefit science and medicine. Increasingly, mathematics is being applied to provide new ways of reducing the use of animals in research and development. To further facilitate this, the NC3Rs is providing access to mathematicians through the EPSRC-funded Mathematics in Medicine Study Group.

The workshop:

In partnership with the Mathematics in Medicine Study Group we are organising a workshop to connect mathematicians and biologists with the aim of solving problems or questions which if addressed could help to replace or reduce the use of animals. For further information on Mathematics in Medicine Study Groups, examples of previous problems brought, work undertaken and new outcomes generated, please see http://www.maths-in-medicine.org.

Problems:

The following biological problems have been selected for presentation to the Study Group at the workshop.

Using mathematical modelling to optimise work flow in the Sanger Mouse Genetics Project. Dr Chris Lelliott, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge

Mathematical Modelling of Chronic Drug Infusion for Toxicity Assessment. Dr Dominic Williams, University of Liverpool

Mathematical modelling of steroid responsiveness in severe asthma and COPD. Professor Ian Adcock, Imperial College London

Modelling heart rate changes in the mouse as a system of delayed, weakly coupled oscillators. Dr Mark Christie, King's College London

Full problem descriptions are available at http://www.maths-in-medicine.org/uk/2013-nc3rs/.

Workshop registration:

Registration for this workshop has now closed.

Key dates:

Problems advertised and registration opens for mathematicians	1 February 2013
Registration deadline	8 April 2013
Workshop	15-18 April 2013

Further queries should be directed, in the first instance to Anthony Holmes at the NC3Rs anthony.holmes@nc3rs.org.uk.