LS2 Section Systems Biology

Decoding life’s complexity

The field of systems biology has grown immensely over the last years, contributing to a paradigm shift in life science research, which has moved away from the traditional descriptive and reductionist molecular approach towards a quantitative and predictive science that aims to understand systems as a whole.

In Switzerland, SystemsX.ch has supported systems biology research since 2007. Beside funding almost 250 research projects and contributing to the training of over 1000 young scientists, one of the main achievements of the initiative was the establishment of a strong and interdisciplinary community. Numerous new collaborations arose between researchers from different scientific fields that had not worked together before, and regular meetings helped strengthen the community.

With SystemsX.ch coming to an end in December 2018:

  • New LS2 Section Systems Biology was founded in November 2017
  • The Section aims to facilitate a continued coordination and interaction between scientists from these different scientific disciplines.
  • Intensified knowledge transfer and networking among systems biology groups in Switzerland is enabled particularly through regular section meetings and workshops
  • Section works towards increasing the chance to render the scientific successes and outreach efforts of the SystemsX.ch initiative in Switzerland.

Section Board

Board Member

Alan Pacheco
University of Lausanne
alan.pacheco@unil.ch

News and Events:

A look back: Theory across Biology

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Theory Across Biology 2026 brought together researchers from across disciplines to explore the mathematical principles underlying biological systems, from molecules to ecosystems.

Through a full day of chalk talks and flip chart discussions at UniS Bern, participants exchanged ideas on topics ranging from the evolution of ageing and embryonic self-organization to microbiome dynamics, information processing in biological systems, and multicellular computation. The format encouraged speakers and participants alike to move beyond disciplinary boundaries and focus on the concepts and mathematical frameworks shared across diverse biological questions.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to our outstanding invited speakers Hanna Kokko, Francis Corson, Oliver Meacock, Gasper Tkacik, and EMBO Young Investigator Mor Nitzan, as well as to our selected speakers, Argo Mukherjee and Marine Fontaine, for their inspiring contributions. A special thank you goes to all participants who embraced the interactive spirit of the meeting through the flip chart sessions and lively discussions that continued throughout the day.

Theory Across Biology was founded on the idea that very different biological phenomena can often be understood through common theoretical principles. The enthusiasm, curiosity, and openness of everyone involved demonstrated the value of creating spaces for scientific exchange across traditional boundaries.

Thank you to all who joined us in Bern and helped make Theory Across Biology 2026 such a stimulating and memorable event! You can see the event pictures HERE. 

Affiliation