The Centre for Systems Biology (CSB) was officially opened on 1st May 2007 when the University of Birmingham’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Michael Sterling unveiled a new painting by the science-based artist Dr Lizzie Burns in the Centre.
A small group of invited guests were on hand to participate in the Opening,
where a toast was held for the Centre's continued success.
As Dr Lizzie Burns explained to guests, the painting - ‘Networks’ - “… is
based on the theme of connections which lies at the heart of this research
centre. It is inspired by images of phylogenetic trees, protein interaction
networks and internet connectivity, but also appears to resemble growing plants,
neurones or even outer space.”
The painting is mounted in a prime position within the new Centre and is of inspiration to all who visit and work here. It will be used as a symbol to represent the connections within collaborative research networks which are fundamental to our activities.
Following the unveiling reception, an open invitation Inaugural Lecture for
the launch of the Centre was held in the School of Biosciences. Distinguished
lecturer Professor David Harel, William Sussman Professorial Chair, Department
of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, The Weizmann Institute of Science
visited the UoB campus to celebrate the Grand Opening and deliver his
‘In Silico
Biology: The What, The Why and The How of Realistic Modeling’.
The interactive, media-savvy and highly stimulating lecture was well attended by academics and researchers from across campus:- specifically the Schools of Medicine, Biosciences, Computer Science, Electronic Electrical & Computer Engineering and Mathematics.
Read more about the CSB’s grand opening by visiting the University’s Press Release here and Buzz:- the University's newsletter (June 2007, p4).
