About:

This annual lecture commemorated 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 wasAlicia 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, Alicia reviewed applications to molecular biology. The goal was to analyze standard models in systems biology to predict dynamic behavior in regions of parameter space without the need for simulations. She also mentioned some challenges in the field of real algebraic geometry that arises 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