Symposium to mark the 10th anniversary of the Department of Theoretical Biology
 

Former and current members share research results and professional experiences
 

From 17 to 19 June 2024, a symposium was held to mark the 10th anniversary of the Department of Theoretical Biology at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology. Around 40 current and former members of the department took part in this special meeting, which promoted the exchange of research results and professional experiences.
 

Former members who are still active in basic research reported on their current research topics. These ranged from theoretical developmental biology (Maria Abou Chakra, Toronto), to cancer modelling (Weini Huang and Benjamin Werner, London), to economic game theory (Jorge Peña, Toulouse).

In addition to the researchers, numerous former members who are now working in industry, for example in the fields of biotechnology, banking and IT, were also present. They took the opportunity to report on their experiences. Of particular interest were the insights into the challenges they faced as mathematical biologists with doctorates when making the transition to industry and the differences between their current working environment and the research work at the institute.

The aim of the symposium was to further strengthen the department's professional and personal network so that the Institute's graduates can continue to realise their full potential in the future. The event emphasised the importance of such networks for long-term success in various professional fields and helped to deepen connections within the scientific community.