Oscillatory dynamics are a fundamental feature of biological systems, spanning spatial and temporal scales from single cells to tissues and whole organisms. These oscillators exhibit diverse behaviors—including cell-autonomous or coupled dynamics, synchronous or asynchronous modes, and stable, excitable, or adaptive regimes. While the molecular mechanisms underlying many biological oscillators are increasingly well understood, the general principles governing the emergence, robustness, and functional diversity of oscillatory behavior remain incompletely defined.

Recent advances in experimental methods—such as high-resolution live-cell imaging, quantitative perturbations, advanced image analysis, and human pluripotent stem cell–based model systems—enable unprecedented quantitative interrogation of oscillatory phenomena. In parallel, mathematical biology has become essential for understanding how noise, coupling, and cell–cell communication shape oscillatory dynamics. This workshop seeks to integrate experimental and theoretical perspectives, fostering interactions in which biological observations motivate new mathematical frameworks and mathematical theory informs experimental design and interpretation.

By bridging disciplines, the workshop aims to advance multiple fields, including chronobiology, evolutionary biology, and mathematical biology. Participants will examine how oscillatory signals are generated, interpreted, and deployed to regulate cellular fate decisions and coordinate collective behaviors across scales. Through critical evaluation of current models and identification of open challenges, the workshop will catalyze new collaborations and modeling approaches, leading to testable predictions and deeper insights into biological oscillators.