Summer School 2026

Course Overview
This week-long course introduces students from biology, engineering, or mathematics to recent advances in biological control within systems and synthetic biology, viewed through the lens of control theory and mathematical modeling. The course takes a unique, bottom-up approach that integrates concepts from mathematics, control, optimization, and the life sciences – an interdisciplinary blend not typically found in existing curricula.

When and Where?
Week of 15 to 19 June 2026, at the University of Oxford, UK.

Structure and Content

• Day 1: The course begins with an introductory presentation of the module followed by two parallel refresher tracks tailored to students’ backgrounds. One track introduces key mathematical and control theory concepts for students with a life sciences background. The other introduces essential biological terminology and ideas for students with a technical background. The day wraps-up with a common discussion and Q&A session as a final preparation for the main part of the course.

• Day 2: Theoretical foundations of biological control systems are presented. Topics include reaction networks, noise and stochastic models for genetics circuits, noise-induced behaviors, analysis of stochastic models and ergodicity, homeostasis and perfect adaptation, as well as primers on biological control systems such as single cell and cellular population control. 

• Day 3: Focus shifts to in-silico control. Students will explore the interface between synthetic biology, control engineering, and machine learning, particularly deep learning methods used in modeling and design of in-silico control for biological systems, for both single-cell and population control. 

• Day 4: The emphasis moves to in-vivo control strategies, combining experimental synthetic biology with principles of control theory to derive, analyze and implement controllers aimed to be implemented inside living cells using biological components.

• Day 5: The final day is dedicated to open discussions on adjacent research questions, unresolved challenges, and real-world applications of biological control systems

This course is ideal for students interested in bridging disciplinary boundaries to tackle problems at the intersection of life sciences, engineering, and mathematics. The course is open to students from all backgrounds but a basic understanding of linear algebra, differential equations, and probability or statistics is required.

Registration
You can register here: https://www.eeci-igsc.eu/modules
(Select M15 - Biological Control Systems)

The EECI also offer grants: https://www.eeci-igsc.eu/grant

More details on costs can be found at https://www.eeci-igsc.eu/registration-fee

Accommodation
Students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation.