"Progress in science depends on new techniques, new discoveries and new ideas, probably in that order"
-Sydney Brenner

Biology in its current form is a modern phenomenon; invoking mysterious forces such as élan vital was commonplace in the first half of the twentieth century. Despite its relative youth, biology has been rapidly progressing in recent decades. Partly, this progress is due to the invention of new instruments, which make studying the hitherto elusive aspects of complex biological systems feasible. On other hand, the influx of new concepts and methods from other areas of science, such as mathematics and physics, is in part responsible for our new understanding of biological entities.

The School of Biological Sciences at the Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences (IPM) was founded in 2012 to foster interdisciplinary research concerning the boundaries and the fundamental equations of biology. To achieve this, organizing a symposium on the latest reach at the forefront of biological sciences seemed necessary. Such a symposium should posses two main characteristics: Firstly, it should include esteemed Iranian researcher from abroad, as well as those working in Iran. Secondly, it has to foster scientific discourse between scientists and students. Inviting esteemed Iranian researcher from abroad eradicates the linguistic barrier, thus facilitating the exchange of scientific ideas.

Given the accelerating growth in biological sciences, the School of Biological Sciences decided to organize a symposium entitled “Frontiers in Biology”. The goal of this symposium is to introduce researchers and students working in Iran with the cutting-edge research in biological sciences. The keynote speakers include Iranian researchers working at top universities abroad. The decision to invite esteemed Iranian researcher from abroad was made to bridge to global society of distinguished Iranian scientists tackling questions in the frontiers of biology to those conducting their research in Iran.

The fist Frontiers in Biological Sciences was held from 25th to 28th of December 2017 at the School of Biological Sciences (IPM). The keynote speakers included thirteen Iranian researchers working at top universities abroad, alongside seven researchers working in Iran.