Division
of Integrative Organismal Biology
The Division of Integrative Organismal Biology
(IOB) supports research aimed at integrative understanding
of organisms as units of biological organization, with particular
emphasis on their development, form, function, and evolution.
An underlying theme in IOB is the use of a wide diversity
of organisms both in identifying unifying principles common
to all organisms and in understanding the variety of mechanisms
that have evolved in specific organisms.
Understanding development, form, function, and evolution requires
integrative approaches. These can include analyses from the
molecular through the ecosystem levels, including advanced
computational techniques and interdisciplinary perspectives
involving other areas of biology, behavioral science, physical
science, mathematics, engineering, and computer science. Multidisciplinary
collaborative research projects are encouraged so that different
types of research techniques may be applied to single-focused
problems. Current scientific emphases include: