We are pleased to announce the winners of the 6th round of Azrieli Systems Biology Innovative student Award series.
The 2020 theme is Adaptation: from physiology to genetics and evolution.
Winners are:
During the past decade, several theoretical physicists have become interested in cancer research. As is the case when physicists ‘invade’ a field, the pursued research goals cover a broad spectrum of topics and approaches. These include applying physics-based techniques and mathematical methods to physics problems that have possible relevance for cancer biology; modeling various processes that take part in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of tumors; studying the effects of and response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy; and developing methods for analysis of high-throughput data and their application to cancer.
With an increasing demand for innovative medical products, sustainable production of a variety of compounds, and alternative sources of energy, synthetic biology emerges at an exceptional time of need. Our ability to engineer biological systems holds great promise in tackling these challenges, resulting in unique solutions based on groundbreaking work from genetic and biomedical engineering, computer science, and systems biology.
The conference, entitled "Synthetic Biology Applications for a Livable Future" (March 18, 2018) featured the latest synthetic biology advancements, powerful technologies, and recent applications to make the world a better place. Both Israeli and international speakers from academia and industry delivered talks throughout the day.
"Next Gen Immunology," an international Cell symposium, took place at the Weizmann Institute of Science from February 11-14, 2018. The meeting, focusing on single-cell genomics, systems biology, immunology, the microbiome, and metabolism, featured many of the world’s leading scientists, clinicians, and industry leaders.
Next Gen Immunology homepage
An EMBO Workshop, "Optimization and Trade-offs in Cell Growth and Survival," took place from February 25-27 at the Weizmann Institute of Science.
The meetings discussed recent discoveries of genetic and non-genetic mechanisms used by cells, and microorganisms in particular, to optimize their growth and survival.
The 2018 System Biology retreat took place on January 15-16, in Ein Gedi.
Participants presented their work, got involved in scientific sessions, and got inspired by the desert's calm and unique environment.
The 19th Israeli Bionformatics Symposium (IBS 2017) brought together faculty members and students from Israel's academic institutions, along with researchers from industry, who are focusing on developing or employing computational techniques in a variety of areas—including genomics, structural biology, systems biology, and other disciplines.
The Innovative Students Awards Series, sponsored by the Azrieli Institute for Systems Biology, is designed to encourage cross-lab, student-led research initiatives.
On November 7, 2016, students, postdoctoral fellows, lab managers, and PIs from the various systems biology research groups on campus gathered to present new and innovative ideas for research projects. Following the presentations, fifteen proposals were chosen through a direct vote by PIs from the systems biology community. The winning labs received grants - ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 USD - to cover each project’s research costs.
The winning students and projects were:
Osteoclasts, or OCLs, are specialized cells that break down bone tissue—a function critical to skeletal maintenance and repair. Because women are more likely than men to suffer from reduced bone mass—a hallmark of osteoporosis—it has long been believed that an excess of OCL activity is triggered by female sex hormones.
Recently, however, Prof. Elson and his team demonstrated that bone degradation is mediated by an enzyme called tyrosine phosphatase Epsilon (PTPe). Using a PTPe-deficient mouse model, the researchers observed reduced OCL activity, as well as a corresponding increase in bone mass, but only in female mice.
The Azrieli Institute for Systems Biology hosted on November 1-3, 2016 the Genome Evolution Conference.
This event aimed to convey the latest news in genome evolution by bringing together leaders, students, and postdocs from around the world. The conference covered diverse sub-disciplines ranging from experimental evolution and theoretical and computational evolutionary dynamics, to molecular evolution, cancer evolution and more.
This conference was exceptional in that, unlike other high-end scientific conferences, it allowed PhD students and postdocs from the Weizmann Institute to lead the discussions. Throughout the three days of the conference, each session was chaired by a Weizmann PhD or postdoc working in one of the labs dealing with evolution research – thus providing them with an opportunity to perfect their knowledge and expertise.
Conference Homepage
As part of the efforts to establish a thriving community of scientists working in the field of systems biology, Principle Investigators at the Weizman Institute have established a tradition of regular meetings, creating a productive forum for sharing new insights, and raising community-related issues.
On March 11-12, 2015 The Azrieli Institute for Systems Biology hosted a student-led symposium titled "Two2many: A Systems View of Biology". This event has attracted many students and renowned scientists to the Weizmann Institute campus, where they had a chance to meet and be exposed to novel ideas and insights in the vastly diverse field of systems biology. A team of inspiring speakers covered topics such as bacterial evolution, synthetic biology, plant development, and immunology. Participants also had a chance to present their own research in a special poster session and a series of short talks, and to discuss common interests in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
Invited speakers included notable researchers from Australia, the Netherlands, the UK, and the United States. The schedule for this conference included scientific talks by guest lecturers, each followed by a five minute talk by a Weizmann Institute student.
Conference Homepage
