Philip Maini awarded Sylvester Medal

Professor Philip Maini FRS has been awarded the Sylvester Medal by the Royal Society for his contributions to mathematical biology, especially the interdisciplinary modelling of biomedical phenomena and systems.

Professor Maini uses mathematical modelling to gain insights into biology and medicine. His main focus is pattern formation in early development, cell movement in wound healing, and the dynamics of cancer growth. Each of these seemingly quite different processes is driven by the spatiotemporal dynamics of cell movement and differentiation, which is determined by cells signalling and responding to interacting chemical and mechanical cues.

Professor Maini’s aim is to represent these spatiotemporal processes within a mathematical framework, before using mathematical techniques and numerical simulation to gain new insights. Besides leading to increased understanding of fundamental biology, this can suggest new approaches for treating diseases. A current focus is the process by which cancer cells promote the growth of blood vessels to supply them with oxygen. Cancer treatments that block this can be effective, but may also interfere with radiotherapy and chemotherapies. Professor Maini and his colleagues are investigating whether mathematical models can determine the optimal combinations of these different cancer treatments to control tumour growth.

He says of the award:

'Receiving this prize is a truly humbling experience when I look at past winners. It is recognition of the important role that mathematical biology is now playing both in mathematics and in the life sciences. I would like to thank my mentor J. D. Murray for introducing me to this field and the many talented colleagues, graduate students and early career researchers I have been lucky enough to work with.'

The annual Royal Society Awards recognise exceptional research achievements through a series of prestigious medals and prizes. The Sylvester Medal is awarded for outstanding contributions in the field of mathematics.

Find out more about Professor Maini's research on YouTube and social media where his lectures and other films have had over twenty million views.

Read more about the Oxford scientists honoured by the Royal Society here.