Focus area of the school

Computational modeling of metabolism has become a fundamental approach in systems biology. By relying on stringent biophysical and biochemical constraints, it provides a robust mathematical framework for integrating multi-omics data, enabling the prediction of phenotypes from genotypes. However, cellular behavior is governed not only by physical laws but also by economic principles. Cells function as economic agents, making strategic decisions on the optimal allocation of their resources to maximize their survival.

The summer school “Economic Principles in Cell Biology” is pioneering this emerging, interdisciplinary field. It combines the fundamental principles and insights of molecular biology and (macro-)economics, offering a revolutionary perspective on how cells operate. By incorporating economic principles into the study of cellular processes, this approach promises to transform our understanding of cell biology, leading to more accurate (computational) models and innovative applications in medicine and biotechnology.

Scientific rationale

Economic concepts such as optimal resource allocation and cost-benefit analysis have enabled researchers to model cellular processes more accurately and predictively. For instance, overflow metabolism or metabolic rewiring under changing conditions demonstrates how cells strategically manage resources to optimize growth under various constraints, akin to economic models of resource distribution (Basan et al., 2015; Elsemman et al., 2022). Additionally, accounting for enzyme synthesis costs in microbial growth models illustrates how cells balance the benefits and costs of enzyme production to maximize fitness (O'Brien et al., 2016). By framing metabolic activities as economic problems, these models have significantly advanced our ability to understand and predict cellular complexity from simple, fundamental organizational principles (Molenaar et al., 2009; Scott et al., 2014) and manipulate biological systems, driving innovations in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology.

Despite the longstanding discussion of economic principles in molecular sciences, a rigorous theoretical framework for understanding cellular physiology and its evolution is still developing. However, efforts in training the next generation of scientists lag far behind. The summer research school “Economic Principles in Cell Biology” aims to close this gap. It will bring together economists and systems biologists to train the next generation of researchers in applying resource allocation principles to cellular systems. This interdisciplinary training will enable students to develop more accurate quantitative models and foster an intuitive, function-based understanding of cellular physiology and dynamics, leading to better predictions and innovative applications in the field.

A key feature of the course is its integration with a community-driven, free online textbook on the same topic, authored by a large team of international experts, including most course organizers. This textbook is continuously updated, ensuring that participants and the broader community have access to the latest developments and insights.