Systems Biology is an approach whereby a biological entity is seen as a conglomerate of interacting components, and where those interactions are at least as important as the components themselves (c.f. molecular biology, where the emphasis is only on the components). While systems biology can be applied at many levels, from organelles, to the whole biosphere, Cellular Systems Biology is focused on and the emphasis of this GRC will be on understanding the functioning of cells through the interactions of the constituent molecules in space and time. Thus this conference will be focused on the cellular aspects alone.

Cellular Systems Biology requires a working knowledge of the spatiotemporal behavior of the entire complement of molecules that make-up a cell. Hence, all such topics that include "genomics", "proteomics", "metabolomics" and "metabolic reconstructions" are integral to systems biology. On the other hand, since Cellular Systems Biology aims at mechanistic understanding cell function, it also requires empirical knowledge derived from approaches such as "enzymology", "protein-protein interactions", "cytomatrix organization," and "cytology." Finally all of the resulting knowledge is to be summarized and integrated in quantitative computer models that allow for data manipulation, predictions, hypothesis testing, and ultimately help in understanding the system. The GRC in Cellular Systems Biology will assemble specialists from all these areas and will provide a means for a strong interdisciplinary exchange of ideas at the Frontiers of Science.