About:

This annual lecture commemorates the outstanding achievements of the late Professor Jack Carr FRSE, formerly Head of Department of Mathematics at Heriot-Watt University. He was not only an international authority in his field of differential equations and dynamical systems, but was also widely recognised for a selfless commitment to the University, Scottish, and international communities. He had a special interest in fostering mathematics in African and other developing countries. His links with colleagues at Edinburgh University helped establish the ICMS and also the Maxwell Institute.

About the speaker:

Alicia Dickenstein, University of Buenos Aires

This year's speaker is Alicia Dickenstein. Alicia is Professor Emerita of the University of Buenos Aires and a Senior Researcher of CONICET, the National Research Council of Argentina. She is a Member of the National Academy of Exact and Natural Sciences and of the National Academy of Sciences of Argentina. She was Vice-President of the International Mathematical Union. She is an AMS Fellow and a SIAM Fellow. She holds Honorary Doctorates from UNS and UNL, Argentina, and from KTH, Sweden. She received the  2015 TWAS Prize in Mathematics and a 2021 L'Oréal-UNESCO International Award "For Women in Science".  

Talk title:  Algebraic geometry tools in systems biology

Abstract: In recent years, methods and concepts of algebraic geometry, particularly those of real and computational algebraic geometry, have been used in many applied domains. In this talk, aimed at a broad audience, I will review applications to molecular biology. The goal is to analyze standard models in systems biology to predict dynamic behavior in regions of parameter space without the need for simulations. I will also mention some challenges in the field of real algebraic geometry that arise from these applications.

Programme:
17:30 Welcome reception with tea and coffee
18:00 Musical interlude: A selection of African songs performed by One Watt Voices
18:15 Introduction
18:20 Lecture - Alicia Dickenstein
19:15 Q&A
19:30 End of Event