Mathematics of Life and Environmental Sciences
Solving real world challenges in the life and environmental sciences using mathematics, statistics and physics.
Research group focus
- biophysics of microorganisms
- modelling of cellular systems
- predicting the spread of tree diseases and invasive pests
- biological and geophysical fluid dynamics
- mathematical archaeology
- ecological hazard modelling
Research impact
We work with non-academic partners across government and industry, helping our research to advance fundamental understanding and have a practical impact. Our projects include applications across the life and environmental sciences. We have built computational models for ecological partners (including Defra and the Forestry Commission) to predict the spread of tree diseases, invasive pests and forest fires. In collaboration with leading NHS clinicians, we are developing diagnostic image analysis tools for cellular microscopy images of the eye. Many of our researchers also integrate laboratory-based experiments with computational modelling, generating new insights into systems such as internal waves in stratified flows, bacterial motility, the movement of microalgae in snow (in collaboration with industrial partner Xanthella), and the dynamics of melting.