EECI Course on Biological Control Systems

Course Overview

This week-long course introduces students from biology, engineering, or mathematics to recent advances in biological control within systems and synthetic biology, viewed through the lens of control theory and mathematical modeling. The course takes a unique, bottom-up approach that integrates concepts from mathematics, control, optimization, and the life sciences – an interdisciplinary blend not typically found in existing curricula.


When and Where?
Week of 15 to 19 June 2026, at the University of Oxford, UK.

Structure and Content

  • Day 1: The course begins with an introductory presentation of the module followed by two parallel refresher tracks tailored to students’ backgrounds. One track introduces key mathematical and control theory concepts for students with a life sciences background. The other introduces essential biological terminology and ideas for students with a technical background. The day wraps-up with a common discussion and Q&A session as a final preparation for the main part of the course.

  • Day 2: Theoretical foundations of biological control systems are presented. Topics include reaction networks, noise and stochastic models for genetics circuits, noise-induced behaviors, analysis of stochastic models and ergodicity, homeostasis and perfect adaptation, as well as primers on biological control systems such as single cell and cellular population control. 

  • Day 3: Focus shifts to in-silico control. Students will explore the interface between synthetic biology, control engineering, and machine learning, particularly deep learning methods used in modeling and design of in-silico control for biological systems, for both single-cell and population control. 

  • Day 4: The emphasis moves to in-vivo control strategies, combining experimental synthetic biology with principles of control theory to derive, analyze and implement controllers aimed to be implemented inside living cells using biological components.

  • Day 5: The final day is dedicated to open discussions on adjacent research questions, unresolved challenges, and real-world applications of biological control systems

This course is ideal for students interested in bridging disciplinary boundaries to tackle problems at the intersection of life sciences, engineering, and mathematics. The course is open to students from all backgrounds but a basic understanding of linear algebra, differential equations, and probability or statistics is required.

Costs

The costs are defined by the EECI as follows:

For self-financed Individuals or those sponsored by Education/Research Academies:

  • Early Registration: 370€
  • Standard Registration: 470€
For those sponsored by Industrial Companies/Organizations
  • Early Registration: 620€
  • Standard Registration: 820€
Reduced Registration fee 150€ (+ 20€ administration fee) for Master and PhD students coming from countries with low education priorities attending module in their native country. 

The EECI also offer grants: 

More details can be found at http://www.eeci-igsc.eu/registration/.


Accommodation

Students are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. We are currently exploring the possibility of offering some low-cost options on campus, but this is not yet confirmed. If available, the number of spots will be limited.

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Would you be interested this course? *
What is your background? *
If you entered "Other", what exactly is your background? Enter N/A if not applicable.  *
Which of the following option best describes your current position? *
The module will begin with two refresher tracks: one in mathematics and control for students with an experimental background, and one in biology for students with a technical background. Which of these two tracks would you be most interested in joining? *
Given the limit of around 20h of lectures in a lecture room and no access to wet labs, what would you be mostly interested in learning?  *
Theory
Experiment
Are there specific topics you would be particularly interested in learning when it comes to theoretical approaches for biological control systems? Enter N/A if none. *
Are there specific topics you would be particularly interested in learning when it comes to computational approaches for biological control systems? Enter N/A if none. *
Are there specific topics you would be particularly interested in learning when it comes to experimental approaches for biological control systems? Specific organisms you are interested in?  Enter N/A if none.
 *
The last day will consist of an interactive session with open discussions. What would you be interested in discussing? This includes open problems, philosophical questions around life sciences and control, applications, job/startup opportunities, etc.. Enter N/A if no suggestions are made. 
What are the main challenges for your for attending the course? *
Required
In order for the class to be offered, we will need at least 15 pre-registrations. Would you be interested in pre-registering once this option becomes available? The pre-registration deadline will be in January 2026. Please respond 'yes' only if you are certain that you want to pre-register. *
Would you like to receive updates about the course? If so, please indicate your email address (N/A if not interested) *
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