Cornell University Professor Steven Strogatz recently shared his reflections on the symbiotic relationship between mathematics and biology in a public talk titled "From Math to Bio and Back: Reflections on a Two Way Street." The lecture, recorded on May 7, 2025, was hosted by the NSF-Simons National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology (NITMB), emphasizing the growing importance of interdisciplinary research.
Strogatz, the Susan and Barton Winokur Distinguished Professor for the Public Understanding of Science and Mathematics, drew from his extensive career to illustrate how mathematical principles can illuminate biological phenomena and how biological challenges can inspire new mathematical theories. "If you like thinking about what math can do for biology and vice versa, you might like this public talk I gave a year ago," Strogatz stated in a tweet, adding that it "contains a lot of stories from my own life."
A renowned applied mathematician, Strogatz is celebrated for his work on nonlinear dynamics, synchronization, and complex network theory. His early research significantly contributed to mathematical biology, addressing problems such as the geometry of supercoiled DNA, the dynamics of the human sleep-wake cycle, and the collective behavior of biological oscillators like synchronously flashing fireflies. This diverse background provides a rich foundation for his insights into the "two-way street" between the disciplines.
The NSF-Simons NITMB, established to foster innovative research at the intersection of mathematical and biological sciences, serves as a crucial platform for such discussions. The institute aims to facilitate new developments in biology-inspired mathematical theories and advance the understanding of complex biological problems. By supporting events like Strogatz's lecture, NITMB underscores its mission to integrate research and promote interdisciplinary education.
Strogatz's talk highlights the continuous evolution of scientific inquiry, where traditional disciplinary boundaries are increasingly blurred to tackle complex challenges. His personal narrative offers an accessible entry point for understanding how abstract mathematical concepts find tangible applications in the living world, and how biological observations can drive mathematical innovation. The lecture is expected to further inspire students and researchers to explore the rich frontiers of mathematical biology.
