The UBC’s support for QBio

The UBC’s support for QBio

The UBC has played a leading role in advancing interdisciplinary research and education across the entire range of Utrecht-based bioinformatics. One of the key initiatives supported by UBC is the Quantitative Biology (QBio) annual symposiums and bi-weekly seminars. This event brings together researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds to explore the intersection of biology, data science, and mathematics.

QBio honours programme was initiated by UBC Principal Investigator Can Kesmir, and has grown into a dynamic platform that facilitates scientific exchange and collaboration.

The QBio symposium is now an annual event that gathers researchers from Utrecht and beyond to discuss groundbreaking topics in quantitative biology. Each year, the symposium highlights a distinct scientific theme.

Wide variety of themes

Each year, the symposium highlights a distinct scientific theme. The 2024 edition focused on organs, exploring both physical and software-based organ models for research and medical applications. In previous years, the symposium has explored a wide range of topics, from the biology of aging and neurobiology to evolution, cooperation, and interdisciplinary research.

Bi-weekly Seminars

In addition to the annual symposium, QBio organizes bi-weekly seminars. These provide a regular platform for researchers to present their work, exchange ideas, and connect with fellow scientists. The seminars also cover a wide range of topics in quantitative biology, ensuring ongoing engagement and knowledge-sharing throughout the year. Our UBC Principal Investigator are often invited to give such a seminar.

Cross-Faculty Collaboration

QBio’s success is a result of collaboration across multiple faculties at Utrecht University. While the Faculty of Science plays a central role, QBio also actively involves researchers from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and the Faculty of Medicine. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that QBio events address diverse scientific questions and foster cross-field innovation.

Through its continuous support of QBio, the UBC remains committed to nurturing collaboration, fostering interdisciplinary research, and inspiring the next generation of scientists.