Bellairs Research Institute  McGill University Holetown, Barbados

Barbados Workshop on Control in Biological Systems

Sponsored by:

April 22th - 27th, 2012
Organizers:
Jackie Vogel (Biology - McGill)
Derek Ruths (School of Computer Science and McGill Centre for Bioinformatics - McGill)
Mathieu Blanchette (School of Computer Science and McGill Centre for Bioinformatics - McGill)
Jérôme Waldispühl (School of Computer Science and McGill Centre for Bioinformatics - McGill)

Focus

The meeting (the 8th in a successful annual series) will take place at McGill's research institute on the Caribbean island of Barbados, on April 21-28, 2012. One of the major goals of this workshop is to gather approximately 25 experts from a variety of fields (cellular and molecular biology, biophysics, evolutionary biology, computer science, and mathematics) together to discuss how we view control in biological systems; examples and what paradigms are shared among/unique to many length and timescales; what are outstanding questions to be tackled; and how they could be approached, either computationally, experimentally or using a combination of both. The following topics, among others, will be covered in both seminars by participants and in open discussion: Defining control principles; Applications of formal control theory to biological systems; Control at various length and timescales: Atomic, Molecular, Organismal; One of many; studying individuals within populations; Control, robustness and evolution; Control in a stochastic world; Feedback, Oscillators.

Schedule

The workshop will start on the evening of April 21th 2012, with an informal reception. Talks and discussions will take place from April 22th to the afternoon of April 27th. Participants should plan to arrive on April 21th (if possible) and are free to stay until the 28th if desired (longer stays, either before or after the meeting, can probably be arranged).

Format

The format of the workshop will be a mixture of talks (30-45 minutes) followed by discussion, breakout sessions, and a summary/overview. The schedule will leave ample time for informal discussions, with the goal to develop new collaborations, plan joint grant proposals, and prepare a position paper suitable for publication. And don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the beach and try Bajan rum!

Fun

Although the goal of the workshop is obviously to get collaborative research done, we will also have time for leisure. The usual schedule is to have presentations and discussions in the morning (9:00-12:00) and evening (7:00-10:00+), but to leave the afternoons free for other activities. The Institute is located right on a quiet beach, excellent for sun bathing, snorkeling and scuba diving, wind surfing, etc., or just to work on projects with a bunch of good friends and a glass of Bajan Rum Punch. The island also has nice hiking trails, golf courses and surfing areas, all within one hour of (cheap) taxi or thrilling but convenient public transportation.

Location and accomodation

The Bellairs Research Institute is a owned by McGill University and used during the summer by marine biologists. The computer science department has been holding workshops there for more than 15 years, and bioinformatics workshop have started five years ago. The Institute has space for about 35 people (in our case, ~25 scientists + a few family members) and offers relatively basic amenities. This is not a 5-star hotel! Most people will share a room with one other person. The rooms are clean and safe but have no phone or tv (but US cell phones work). The institute is equipped with fairly fast and reliable wireless connection, as well as with desktop few computers. Presentations and discussions usually take place either outdoors or in a air-conditioned conference room. The dinner is prepared by an excellent local chef, while we usually have lunch at one of a few local restaurants. People interested in other types of accomodation (e.g. hotel with more or better services) should contact me. See this additional information about The Bellairs Research Institute.

Fees

There are no registration fees. The cost of a room for the entire week is approximately 400 USD (depending on the type of room). Our cook prepares breakfast and dinners (approx. 20 USD daily); we typically have lunch at restaurants on the beach (approx. 20 USD daily).

Travel information

There are direct and affordable flights to Barbados from many canadian, american, and european cities. Once at the airport, Bellairs is easily reached by taxi, following these instructions. If possible, you should aim to arrive on April 21th in the afternoon or evening, and plan to leave on April 28th. Shorter stays are ok.

Barbados is one of the richest islands of the Caribbean, and also one of the safest. English is the main language (although it is no longer a British Dominion) and the population is helpful and friendly. Credit cards and travelers checks are accepted. Precise traveling instructions will be sent to the participants later.

List of invited participants