FIAS Fellow Roberto Covino has become a W3 professor at Goethe University Frankfurt in May 2024. The scientist was appointed to the Institute of Computer Science. At the same time, he will retain his position as research group leader at FIAS.

Covino develops theoretical models, innovative computer simulation methods, and artificial intelligence to understand the dynamic organisation of complex biological systems. His group combines and develops innovative theoretical and computational methods that can mimic and verify fundamental biological mechanisms.

‘We want to understand how biological cells work,’ says Covino. Cells are the basic unit of all life forms on Earth. And they are incredibly complex. ‘Understanding them is not only an exciting scientific challenge, but would also help us to better manage diseases and societal challenges.’

Covino is working on the development of digital twins of cell processes: exact virtual models that replicate cell structures at a molecular level. These models take into account changes over time and enable the simulation of molecular processes that are fundamental to cellular life. This approach paves the way for groundbreaking predictions that can be verified experimentally and will provide new insights into cellular functions.

‘This professorship is a fantastic opportunity to enhance my scientific work,’ says Covino. It will also allow him to develop an innovative teaching programme focused on the emerging field of computational biosciences. ‘These achievements would not have been possible without the support of FIAS, which has invested in my ambitious plans and provided me with an excellent environment for their realisation.’ FIAS congratulates him very warmly and looks forward to further collaboration and close networking with Goethe University.

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