The Ukrainian physicist, Nicolas Rashevsky, was one of the pioneers in the emergence of mathematical biology in the twentieths century.  In the talk, we will look into Rashevsky’s attempts to create and establish a research field and an education in mathematical biology. We will discuss Rashevsky’s early work on modelling cell division along with some of his philosophical ideas with a focus on his motivation, perception of and goals for mathematics as a research practice in biology. We analyze his modelling activity and discuss why his ideas clashed with the biologists’ views from the perspective of interdisclinary research.

Coffee, tea, cakes and fruit will be served before the colloquium at 2 pm.