Predictive models of cell state change in health and disease

Professor Chris Ponting

In this project we will capture the dynamics of cellular phenomena, particularly as it is challenged or stimulated. We will develop new Ising model-based descriptions of transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulatory networks using data from the Human Cell Atlas.  This project would suit an ambitious, fearless and scientifically inquisitive individual from a physics, mathematics, statistics, computer science (or similar) background. The project combines the biomedical expertise of one supervisor (Ponting) with the mathematical physics expertise of the other (Del Debbio). The intersection between these different disciplines provides a fertile ground for new concepts and discoveries, and for gaining skills that are badly-needed in academia and industry.