Mathematical Biosciences Institute (MBI)

Department of Mathematics, Department of Statistics
http://mbi.osu.edu/
Tony Nance, Assistant Director
614-292-4420
tony@mbi.osu.edu

The Mathematical Biosciences Institute (MBI) is the first institute in the United States dedicated to bringing together mathematical, statistical and computational researchers with researchers in the life sciences. The explosion of data in biological and medical research presents challenges to the scientists who need to analyze and use the information. These challenges present opportunities for mathematicians and statisticians.

The MBI sponsors year-long programs, each focusing on a specific research area, including in-depth workshops and tutorials to introduce mathematical researchers to the subject of that year's program. Visitors and postdoctoral fellows take part in each unique, interdisciplinary program. Interaction is one of the hallmarks of these programs and many local, national and international interdisciplinary collaborations have developed as a result.

A new summer program under development will bring high-achieving high school students to campus to study and learn about MBI research with Ohio State faculty and post-doctoral researchers who are part of the institute. The program will offer a hands-on awareness of the interconnections between mathematical research and biological research. Currently, a three-week summer program brings to campus graduate students from around the world, as well as undergraduates and college instructors. This intensive workshop includes a one-week tutorial, with morning lectures and afternoon lab sessions, followed by two weeks of working on guided team projects. Finally, participants offer each other a mini-conference to share project results.