Browse by author
Lookup NU author(s): Dr Matthew WadeORCiD
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).
Although mathematical modelling has reached a degree of maturity in the last decades, microbial ecology is still developing, albeit at a rapid pace thanks to new insights provided by modern molecular tools. However, whilst microbiologists have long enjoyed the perspectives that particular mathematical frameworks can provide, there remains a reluctance to fully embrace the potential of model, which appear too complex, esoteric or distant from the ``real-world". Nevertheless there is a strong case for pursuing the development of mathematical models to describe microbial behaviour and interactions, dynamically, spatially and across scales. Here we put forward perspectives on the current state of mathematical modelling in microbial ecology, looking back at the developments that have defined the synergies between the disciplines, and outline some of the existing challenges that motivate us to provide practical models in the hope that greater engagement with empiricists and practitioners in the microbiological domain may be achieved. We also indicate recent advances in modelling that have impact in both fundamental understanding of microbial ecology and its practical application in a number of fields, such as treatment of waste and food microbiology. In this way, it is anticipated that interest can be garnered from across the microbiological spectrum resulting in a broader uptake of mathematical concepts in lecture theatres, laboratories and industrial systems.
Author(s): Wade MJ, Harmand J, Benyahia B, Bouchez T, Chaillou S, Cloez B, Godon JJ, Moussa Boudjemaa B, Rapaport A, Sari T, Arditi R, Lobry C
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Ecological Modelling
Year: 2016
Volume: 321
Pages: 64-74
Print publication date: 10/02/2016
Online publication date: 04/12/2015
Acceptance date: 03/11/2015
Date deposited: 04/01/2016
ISSN (print): 0304-3800
ISSN (electronic): 1872-7026
Publisher: Elsevier
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2015.11.002
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2015.11.002
Altmetrics provided by Altmetric
