The application process for the 2006 workshop on the Foundations of Theoretical Medicine has closed.

Program Information

July 16-23, 2006
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Director: David Krakauer, Professor, Santa Fe Institute

General Description

This program is intended for medical students and graduate students in the biomedical sciences. Through informal seminars, debate and hands-on computer time, it will explore and identify general principles that span the range of medical specialties. The workshop brings together a faculty who possess a multidisciplinary perspective and range of interests that students may not typically be exposed to in medical school.

Mathematical and computer models are revealing new and clinically promising approaches to the understanding of disease. The 2006 SFI-NIH program focuses on general principles and mathematical approaches to oncology, neurology, cardiology, immunology, systemic disease, aging, and medical technology. Of particular interest are the relationships among these areas and the way mathematics can be used to formalize these relationships.

In this meeting mathematics is squarely in the service of ideas; the meeting is not a simple modeling course nor is it expected that students already have formal training in modeling. Participants will be selected who show evidence of an analytical and critical frame of mind and who have an interest in bringing fresh, maybe even transgressive, ideas to bear on medical practice and biomedical research.

Costs and Housing

Sessions will take place at the Santa Fe Institute and St. Johnís College in Santa Fe. No tuition is charged, and some support for housing and travel expenses is available. (Travel/ housing support for accompanying families is not provided.) Housing will be provided at St. Johnís College in single dormitory rooms, some with shared bathrooms. Telephone and computer network connectors are available.

Eligibility

Priority will be given to medical students with an interest in broad concepts underlying biomedical research, theoretical perspectives, interdisciplinary thinking, and mathematics and statistics. Students with experience in molecular biology and genetics, clinical trials and other aspects of experimental medicine are equally welcome but should show evidence of a conceptual approach that extends beyond a single specialized area of interest.

Enrollment is limited to twenty students. Women, minorities, and students from developing countries are especially encouraged to apply. We strongly encourage you to apply online in order to expedite your application.

Application Requirements

1. Current resume or CV. Include a clear description of your current educational or professional status, and a list of publications, if any.

2. A statement of your current research interests and comments about why you are interested in this workshop and how it would be beneficial to you (maximum length: two pages).

3. Two letters of recommendation from scholars who know your work.

How to Apply

Online: Our online application form allows you to submit all of your materials electronically (including a feature which allows your recommenders to upload letters of recommendation directly to your file). We strongly encourage you to apply online to expedite your application.

Postal Mail/Courier: Applications sent via postal mail will also be accepted. Include a cover letter providing your e-mail address and fax number, and specify whether you wish to be considered for a travel scholarship (this will not influence the review of your application). Do not bind your application materials in any manner. Send application materials to:

Theoretical Medicine Workshop
Santa Fe Institute
1399 Hyde Park Road
Santa Fe, NM 87501 USA

If applying via post, letters of recommendation may be sent separately to the address above, or included in your application package in sealed envelopes.

Deadline

The workshop in the Foundations of Theoretical Medicine now has ongoing admissions.

If you have further questions regarding this workshop, e-mail or call (505) 946-2746.

Support for this program is provided by the National Institutes of Health.