During embryonic growth, cells proliferate, differentiate, and collectively migrate to form different tissues at the right position and time in the body.

The availability of complete plant genome sequences together with the ever increasing amount of data on the molecular, cellular and physiological mechanisms of plant development require mathematical and computational models to obtain a complete overview of and generate new insights into the quantitative…

As of 1 July, Professor of Mathematical Biology Roeland Merks has got a full appointment at Leiden University. Before this expansion, he worked one day a week at the Mathematical Institute (MI). Merks will work half of his full appointment at the MI and the other half at the Institute of Biology Leiden…

Quantitative biology means exploiting mathematical modelling and computer simulation as a tool to gain additional insights into the meaning of experimental data. Discover in this minor when and how to apply these tools, in a multidisciplinary setting.

Projects within the theme ‘Computational Biology’ aim to employ mathematical or computational dynamical modelling approaches to discover novel concepts that are important for drug development.

Making systems biology modelling a central pillar of research in biology

Are you thinking about studying Mathematics? Learn more and watch the introduction video.

PhD candidates carry out a programme of independent research, leading to a PhD thesis in typically 4 years.

From applied to fundamental research, and from algebra to data science, our master’s programme spans these fields entirely. You will be able to follow courses from the national Mastermath programme and write a thesis in one of our strong research groups in algebra, number theory and geometry; dynamical…

As a Mathematics student, you will learn to solve complex problems in creative ways using logical thinking and mathematical structures. A Mathematics degree will open many doors for you in society.

The Mathematical Institute is responsible for the research and education in mathematics and statistics at Leiden University.

The master's specialisation Applied Mathematics at Leiden University focuses on both computational and fundamental aspects of analysis and probability. It’s also an ideal basis for a PhD degree. Applied Mathematics is an excellent choice if you have the aspiration to pursue a PhD degree

A novel mathematical model describes spatial-temporal drug distribution within one or more brain units, which are cubic representations of a piece of brain tissue with brain capillaries at the edges.

The master’s specialisation Mathematics and Education at Leiden University prepares students to teach the subject of mathematics to secondary school students. The programme comprises a one-year mathematics component, followed by an education component in the second year.

This research programme aims to increase the scientific understanding of how current and emerging anthropogenic threats affect biodiversity and ecosystem services to facilitate strategic management of natural resources. To this end, we address urgent challenges in relation to the mechanisms involved…

Scientific staff of the Mathematical Institute organises the General Mathematics Colloquium several times a year.

Are you thinking about studying Biology? Learn more and watch the videos.

The master’s specialisation Mathematics and Science Based Business at Leiden University bridges science and business development by focusing on areas such as technology management, innovation, entrepeneurship, operations, and decision making.

This study looks at the question of how and at what level students in primary teacher education can integrate theory and practice, and how the organisation of their learning environment, focusing especially on mathematics and pedagogy, can contribute to that.

PhD candidates carry out a programme of independent research and additional (limited) course work, culminating in production of a PhD thesis in typically 4 years.

This is a research project on the implementation of national mathematics curriculum reform in Chinese junior high school. The research is expected to provide insight into the ways and reasons of mathematics teachers in Chinese junior high school for implementing national curriculum reform.

Is system thinking through perspectives the solution for biology education to help students see the connections between different topics?

A complex community of microbes develops in the infant gut shortly after birth. We call this community the infant gut microbiota. The microbiota influences the health of the infant, which makes the composition and function of the infant gut microbiota an important topic to study.

This programme video is presented in Dutch

Roeland Merks is appointed as professor Multiscale Mathematical Biology (0.2 FTE) at the Mathematical Institute as from 15 January 2014.

Neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), are increasing in prevalence due to the aging population. Despite extensive study, these diseases are still not fully understood and the lack of personalised treatment options that can target the cause of the diseases, rather than the symptoms,…

The master’s programme Biology at Leiden University offers seven specialisations ranging from Cell Biology to Molecular Genetics. The programme prepares you for a career in research within or outside academia.

Biology is the study of life. Are you interested in understanding life, from the molecular level to entire ecosystems? Do you want to use your understanding and knowledge of biology to benefit the health of both humans and the environment? If so, Biology is the right study programme for you.

The Ig Nobel prize is awarded annually to ten studies that first

Chemical biology research at the Leiden Institute of Chemistry is aimed at understanding biological processes at the molecular level to strengthen the knowledge base of human health and disease. The approach to achieve this goal is a fundamental chemical one; with the aid of chemical probes biological…

The master’s specialisation Mathematics and Science Communication and Society at Leiden University bridges the gap between experts and the public by combining high quality research in mathematics with extensive training in science communication.

Study information

The master’s specialisation Biology and Education at Leiden University prepares students to teach the subject of biology to secondary school students. The programme comprises a one-year Biology component, followed by an education component in the second year.

The master’s specialisation Evolutionary Biology at Leiden University investigates biology at all levels. The specialisation includes genomics, functional developmental genetics, paleobiology, behavioral biology and evolutionary ecology.

Despite being the object of intense study, embryonic development has been difficult to model due to a number of reasons. First, complex tissues can be comprised of many cell types, of which we probably only know a subset.

In this project, we aim to develop mathematical models to mechanistically and quantitatively predict the dynamics of cellular stress pathway activation and its relation with toxic effects when cells are exposed to various toxicants.

The Programme Committee Biology (Opleidingscommissie Biologie, OCB) consists of four teaching staff members and four students, and is assisted by the study adviser. The OCB has an independent position within the Biology education program. Because of its composition, the OCB is the most important organ…

The Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL) is an internationally oriented institute for research and education in biology. Some of their staff members are part of the Leiden Human Evolution Collective.

Research on heredity and diseases is simply not possible without programmers. Curious about how you can use your IT and biology skills to deal with real-life sickness and health problems? If so, Bio-Informatics in Leiden could be something for you.

Systems pharmacology aims to apply techniques from systems biology to pharmacological models.

During post-embryonic development into adults, animals face an environment that fluctuates constantly. For example, in nutrient availability, temperature, and osmolarity (e.g., salt concentration).

Promotor: A.W. van der Vaart