Systems analysis of robustness mechanisms in collective cell migration

Collective behaviours are ubiquitous in nature: from flocks of migratory birds to
colonies of termites that build highly complex cathedral mounds. Similarly, cells
exhibit collective behaviours - during development, wound healing, regeneration, and
cancer metastasis. However, how proper form and function of cell collectives emerge
reliably, is still unclear. Thus, we will employ a developing sensory organ system that
collectively migrates, combined with machine learning-based image analysis and
mathematical modelling to elucidate the general logic of robust collective cell
behaviour. This ambitious PhD project will enable a systems level understanding of
how a paradigmatic multicellular animal is organised robustly.