Mathematical biology or biological mathematics: what’s in a name?

Mathematical biology has exploded over recent decades into a huge field in its own right, and while there are many examples of this working well, there are also many pitfalls. This talk reflects on how mathematics and biology interact, and what mathematical biology could (or should) be for mathematics, for biology, and for itself. I will give my take on what does, and does not work, illustrated by examples ranging from asthma treatments to lake health in Aotearoa. While some aspects are unique to mathematics and biology, much also carries over to interdisciplinary research and scientific communication more generally.

Graham Donavan was born and raised in the US, completing his doctorate at Northwestern University in 2008 before (wisely) decamping to New Zealand to take up a postdoc at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute. He then shifted to the mathematics department as a lecturer a few years later and eventually became Professor in 2025. He’s an applied mathematician with a focus on mathematical biology and physiology, with research interests ranging from asthma and immunology to shallow lakes and laser dynamics. When he’s not doing that, you might find him outdoors enjoying Aotearoa’s fabulous sailing and skiing opportunities with friends and whānau.