Programma: Systems biologie
Systems biology is a scientific approach to biological processes combining experiments in an iterative cycle with computer models, simulation and theory. The cycle allows databases to be used more effectively and enables predictions to be made concerning the dynamics of living systems based on their molecular and cellular properties.
Background
Systems biology draws on various scientific disciplines, including biology, maths, physics and technical sciences. Thanks to the interdisciplinary nature of the field, systems biology can probe deeper into biological processes than might be expected in individual disciplines. In recent decades, revolutionary developments in genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and physiology have changed and enhanced our knowledge of biological processes. The mapping of the human genome and other developments have made it clear that knowledge of genetics alone is not enough for an understanding of complex processes in living organisms.The extra knowledge we can gain from systems biology will have a huge social and economic impact in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors, opening the door to developments like personalized medicine, multidrug treatments and new drug therapies.
Programme information
Budget: € 13.000.000
Status: Execution
Duration:
2009
2015
Contact information
National activities
Systems Biology Strategic Action Plan
Systems biology is a wide-ranging life-sciences strategy that requires new ways of organising and funding scientific research. NWO’s various division boards (Earth and Life Sciences, Chemical Sciences, Physical Sciences, the Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter and the STW Technology Foundation) and ZonMw established a Systems Biology Theme Preparation Committee in 2007.
The Committee has been given the task of devising a targeted, integrated national systems biology programme. Its plans are currently being worked out in detail, and funding is being sought for its proposals.
International collaboration
The involvement of many disciplines and the availability of numerous large datasets make systems biology an ideal field for international collaboration. An international collaboration programme known as ERASysBio was launched in Europe in 2006 to foster collaboration in the field of systems biology between the thirteen participating funding bodies. ZonMw and NWO represent the Netherlands in the partnership. One of the results of ERASysBio has been a "systems biology strategy paper" in which the partners forecast results that might be achieved through international collaboration. The ERASysBio partners have already taken up some of the recommendations in the report, including the organisation of summer schools and the establishment of a European research programme.
