About The National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology

Uncovering therules of life.

The NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology (NITMB) aims to integrate the disciplines of mathematics and biology in order to transform the practice of biological research and to inspire new mathematical discoveries.

NITMB is a partnership between Northwestern University and the University of Chicago.

It is funded by the National Science Foundation DMS-2235451 and the Simons Foundation MP-TMPS-00005320.

Our Mission

The mission of NITMB is to create a nationwide collaborative research community that will generate new mathematical results and uncover the “rules of life” through theories, data-informed mathematical models, and computational and statistical tools. NITMB leverages close collaborations between experimentalists and theorists to synergize discovery. The fundamental research done by the NITMB is providing a foundation for future advancements in areas as diverse as the environment, medicine, and technology development. NITMB members and visitors share space in downtown Chicago that is readily accessible to collaborators across the U.S. and the world.

Our Strategy

NITMB uses an interlocking set of strategies and initiatives aimed at broad impacts for the mathematical and biological research communities.

Targeted research bringing together mathematicians and biologists to collaborate and train the next generation of interdisciplinary scientists.
Scientific long programs, workshops, and conferences enhancing collaboration between mathematics and biology.
An innovative research program organized around five interrelated themes, selected because they reflect key capabilities of biological systems and interconnect with open mathematical problems.

Our Space

We welcome you to visit for a day, a week, and recurring visits to co-work with colleagues, schedule group and project meetings, or think alone with a view. We provide a spectrum of collaboration spaces – shared offices, Zoom rooms, lounge seating, adjustable standing desks, meeting rooms with Zoom capabilities, kitchen, and a full 150-person auditorium. Amenities include an espresso maker, wellness and prayer room, and endless blackboards. 360 views of Chicago & Lake Michigan. Come visit and be inspired.

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Photo Credit: Patsy McEnroe

How We Work

NITMB Research

Research supported by the NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology focuses on developing mathematical frameworks that illuminate emergent capabilities of biological systems. We are developing the theory and mathematics needed to highlight the fundamental roles of physical, chemical, and biological constraints as organizing principles for understanding biological mechanisms. NITMB focuses on fields of mathematics where the constraints of biological systems show promise for novel developments. Examples include geometry, topology, optimization theory, dynamical systems, machine learning, inverse problems, statistical inference, mathematical modeling, and probability. Understanding constraints from mathematical and biological perspectives provides a unique opportunity for interdisciplinary work, with mathematical research that will advance our knowledge of biology and biology research that will catalyze new mathematics.

Our People

Who we are

Meet the NITMB community members building the future of research integrating mathematics and biology.

NITMB Faculty NITMB Fellows

Support NITMB Research and Programs

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