Bioinformatics

Head: Prof. Dr. Stefan Schuster
Secretary: Kathrin Schowtka

In the Department of Bioinformatics, research is done on various topics of bioinformatics and theoretical systems biology, largely in close cooperation with wet-lab groups. A central topic is the mathematical modelling and computer simulation of metabolic processes. For example, their optimal temporal control in living cells is calculated. A further central topic is the application of game theory to biochemical and microbiological systems. To deal with spatial aspects, agent-based models are developed. Moreover, alternative splicing in fungi, the enumeration of biochemical substances and the optimal flow behaviour of the blood, among others, are studied. Most of these computer-aided studies are conducted in view of medical and biotechnological applications, for example, with reference to the fatty liver disease, the energy metabolism in cancer cells and yield maximization in biotechnological production processes.
In teaching, the department is actively involved by specific courses in the curricula Bioinformatics, Biology, Biochemistry, and Molecular Life Sciences, among others.