The National Institute for Theory and Mathematics MathBio Ideathon will take place August 10–12, 2026 in Chicago!

The goal of this workshop is to bring together researchers with interests at the interface of biology and mathematics to tackle unsolved problems through interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants will share their expertise via lightning talks and form vertically integrated teams (PIs and trainees) around the most promising ideas. The teams will tackle these problems and formulate actionable research plans. Teams will have the opportunity to continue their work to solve these problems at a later date through NITMB's Focused Research Award Program.

Here is a link to more information: https://www.nitmb.org/nitmb-mathbio-ideathon A application form for the workshop is available on the website.  Applications close Monday, June 8th.

Participation is limited to approximately 40 people. We are looking for people who know of interesting unsolved problems at the interface between mathematics and biology (or who would like to learn about them) and who will be fully engaged and actively contribute throughout the workshop — starting with initial discussions and team formation to the development of collaborative research plans and beyond.

This may be of particular interest to early-career researchers, including postdocs and graduate students, who are looking for new topics to add to their research portfolios.

We will cover travel and accommodation for selected participants. We also provide meals while people are engaged at the NITMB (typically breakfast and lunch).

We look forward to the possibility of having you join us in Chicago!

Best regards,

- Bill Kath