Systems Biology: The interplay of systems and control research and biology?

Systems Biology is a new area, which requires collaboration between researchers from diverse disciplines. Systems and control research can play an important role in the study and understanding of biological systems. On small scale, there are some promising initial results in two example areas, however, much more work is needed for results to reach their full potential impact.

1. Introduction

The analysis, understanding and alteration of biological systems, has been the subject of a large research effort, particularly in recent years. However, despite a rapid growth in research and the many advances that have been made, the number and effectiveness of new treatments is hampered by a number of factors, including the complexity and diversity of biological systems. This has lead to a situation where the cost of developing new drugs is increasing at a rate much higher than inflation [1]. To help combat these difficulties, mathematical tools may be employed to help interpret, guide and aid biological discoveries. One recent approach to using mathematical tools in this context has been termed Systems Biology’.