The CoMPLEX Centre

CoMPLEX is a world-class interdisciplinary centre, applying cutting edge techniques in mathematics, physics, engineering and computer sciences to problems in biology. CoMPLEX runs a 4 year MRes and PhD programme which specifically trains students to work at the interface between mathematics, engineering, physics and the life sciences. In this programme the first year forms an MRes year during which students are trained in both mathematical modelling and advanced experimental techniques. Students also attend undergraduates lecture courses to strengthen their knowledge of mathematics (if their background is mainly in biology) or biology (if they have a background in the physical sciences or mathematics). With this training students emerge to pursue interdisciplinary PhD research in a wide range of areas. A requirement of the programme is that all students have two supervisors, one from the life sciences and one from the physical sciences. With a very wide range of departments and research groups involved at UCL there is plenty of choice and the CoMPLEX centre provides a key focal point for communication between groups, both to strengthen existing collaborations and to promote the development of new ones. A seminar programme on the application of physical and mathematical sciences to biology and annual symposia are also organised through the centre.

New CoMPLEX location

In October 2008 CoMPLEX moved to UCL's central quadrangle. CoMPLEX occupies purpose built space in the Physics Building on Gordon Street, above new biophysics laboratories which opened in 2007. The building development was financed under SRIF Phase 5.

CoMPLEX SRIF-funded re-location in 2008

Mathematics and Physics in the Life Sciences and Experimental Biology

Biological systems are extraordinarily complex. The scale of this problem is apparent from the human genome project which has helped to identify the tens of thousands of molecules that make up living cells. Unfortunately, we still do not understand the functional properties of many of these molecules and the situation is made all the more difficult because protein-protein interactions create complicated signalling 'networks' throughout the body. In response to these new challenges new approaches to biology are emerging that utilise recent developments in the physical sciences, nanotechnology, mathematics and computer modelling. The interface between physical/mathematical sciences and biology is thus becoming of prime importance for understanding the behaviour of biological systems. This makes it an exciting time to become involved in an interdisciplinary research programme with many new experimental and modelling approaches bringing important answers to complex biological problems.