Complex Biological Systems

Modern biological research has been transformed by recent advances in molecular biology, bioanalytical technologies, and computational science. New, large-scale programmatic initiatives, such as the Human Genome Project, have catalyzed the efforts of research teams whose work crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries. As information becomes available from the human and other genomes, as well as from high-throughput biomolecular structure determination, a greater challenge is emerging: understanding complete biological systems, from the molecular level to the level of the functional organism.

ORNL's initiative in complex biological systems engages organizations and disciplines across the Laboratory. In particular, it draws on programs in comparative and functional genomics, structural biology, and computational biology and bioinformatics. This initiative focuses ORNL's distinctive expertise and facilities in mammalian genetics, biochemistry, environmental microbiology, plant genetics, analytical technologies, computational science and applied mathematics, physical sciences and engineering on the challenges of observing and understanding the functioning of complex biological systems.

Key areas of research under the ORNL Complex Biological Systems initiative include:

• Functional Genomics and Proteomics
• Structural Biology
• Plant and Microbial Genomics
• Computational Biology and Bioinformatics

Critical elements contributing to the success of this initiative are plans for a new Center for Biological Sciences at ORNL, the Mouse Genetics Research Facility (a DOE-designated national user facility), and the Joint Institute for Biological Sciences (JIBS), a strategic partnership with the University of Tennessee to develop support for collaborative education and research in biological sciences.

Representative links related to complex biological systems research at ORNL:

• Life Sciences Division
• Environmental Sciences Division