The Natural Sciences Programme

1) Theoretical Biology

Recent experimental developments in the biological sciences provide an excellent opportunity for
the use of mathematics and computer science to better understand the complexity of life. Unlike
the physical sciences, however, where theoretical developments often are crucial in driving the
field forward, theoretical biology has not played an equally prominent role in the biological sciences.
Many of the most fundamental questions in biology still remain unanswered. Among other things,
our understanding of how evolution acts is still rudimentary. Further theoretical development of
biology is likely to be essential, not only to biology but it might also lead to applications of results
and methods within other fields, such as economics, psychology and other social science disciplines.

Contact:
Professor Hans Ellegren, Department of Ecology and Genetics, Uppsala University
hans.ellegren@ebc.uu.se