Accessibility statement

StoMP

Stochastic dynamical Modelling for Prokaryotic gene regulatory networks

A BBSRC supported research network, part of the Mathematical Tools for Systems Biology (MATSYB) programme.

The aim of this network is to create a strong UK research community at the mathematics/physical science/microbiology interface, in the area of stochastic dynamical modelling of gene regulation.

To further this we endeavour to:

  • organise a series of research and dissemination-focused workshops
  • run a website and mailing list to co-ordinate UK efforts in this area
  • provide funding for a number of collaborative research visits between network members
  • create new research collaborations, especially between microbiologists and modellers, leading to collaborative publications over a 3-year timescale
  • prepare several collaborative grant applications to BBSRC and EPSRC over a 3-year timescale

Our research objectives are to:

  • bring together UK microbiologists, mathematicians and physical scientists, to use stochastic dynamical modelling for "real-life" problems pertaining to bacterial response and behaviour — specifically, contribute to understanding stochastic effects in gene regulation in response to environmental stresses, in communal living (biofilm formation and quorum sensing) and in gene transfer (especially plasmid regulation)
  • encourage microbiologists to make measurements that can be directly used to test models for stochastic gene expression — advance existing techniques and develop new ones in stochastic dynamical modelling, through sharing of expertise between modellers

Our dissemination objectives are to:

  • disseminate stochastic dynamical modelling to relevant scientific communities, including biologists, mathematicians, computer scientists and physicists
  • disseminate cutting-edge software for stochastic simulation
  • increase links with the overseas research community in this area by inviting overseas researchers to workshops and other events
  • increase links with the UK health-care and food industries by inviting representatives to participate in network workshops