MACSYS Theme 4 Workshop @ UniMelb

Workshop in Empowering Biological Research Through Whole-Cell and Virtual Cell Modelling

• Leaders:  Malcolm McConville & Heejung Shim
• Location: Bio21 Institute, University of Melbourne

Vision and Overarching Goal of Theme 4

Theme 4 focuses on translating whole-cell and virtual-cell models into real biological impact. Its goal is to ensure that MACSYS advances are guided by meaningful biological questions and deliver experimentally testable insights.

Theme 4 will define high-value biological challenges where predictive cell models can accelerate discovery, inform experimental design, and uncover new mechanisms in health, disease, and biotechnology. It focusses on the generation of high-quality experimental data that underpin both the development and testing of whole cell models and building close interactions between experimental and computational MACSYS groups and partners.

Aims of the Theme 4 Workshop

To bring together MACSYS members and partners to:

• Discuss ongoing MACSYS theme 4 projects
• Identify biological systems and challenges where whole-cell and virtual-cell models can add the most value
• Discuss key challenges and practical solutions to generating and integrating diverse biological datasets into predictive models
• Co-design flagship biological case studies that integrate capabilities from across MACSYS themes (e.g., modelling and computational ones with biological research), and partners.

Structure of the Theme 4 Workshop

Across two days, MACSYS members and partners will collaborate in-person through high level talks, research spotlights, panel discussions, and focused breakout sessions centred on priority biological problems. Sessions will emphasise co-design: aligning modelling strategies with experimental feasibility, data generation and availability, and translational opportunities. The workshop will conclude with biological case studies and collaboration pathways to guide Theme 4 activity over the coming year. Partners will be invited to engage with MACSYS researchers and participate in all the sessions.

*Note:  The following day, on Wednesday 23 September, there is an opportunity to tour the Monash Node and the labs there.  This is optional, but please let us know if you’re interested.