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The primary goal of the project “Local team and international consortium for computational modeling of a cyanobacterial cell” is to build a computational model of cyanobacteria at the molecular, cellular, and environmental level.  The approach depends on an international team of scientists working at the interface between the biological and computational sciences to create bottom-up models of cellular processes and top-down models of cell dynamics in environmentally controlled state-of-the-art photobioreactors.

The aim is to build validated models that accurately simulate the behavior of cyanobacteria under a broad range of biological and environmental parameters that will drive experimental research and accelerate discovery.  Another goal of the project is to advance education in biology, complex systems, modeling, and the computer sciences by developing university-level courses and by training of students and early career scientists.  A key element in achieving these goals is to outreach to all scientists interested in cyanobacteria research. 

The ultimate goal is to provide computer models that can be used by the entire research community to model and simulate the behavior of cyanobacteria under environmentally diverse conditions. 

Cyanobacteria are photoautotrophic organisms that play an important role in the stability and continuity of life on Earth.  This is demonstrated by the fact that marine cyanobacteria contribute by tens of percents to the molecular oxygen released into the atmosphere by photosynthesis.  Cyanobacteria are being developed and employed to produce ce biofuels, in water treatment facilities, and in the production of commercially valuable compounds.  Understanding the molecular processes and growth behavior of cyanobacteria in nature and growth facilities provides knowledge that will advance biotechnology applications, contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors underlying ocean dynamics and global climate change.

A core group of researchers, the local workgroups, are responsible for building the primary models, model validation, and providing experimental parameters.  Although the research is centered in the Czech Republic, the success of the project depends on the participation of a broad international range of scientists and modelers.  To this end, the research project and the models are open to international research community.  Collaborators are invited to participate by joining CyanoNetwork.