Integrative multi-omics and multiscale predictive plant model
A standards-based, modular predictive modelling framework for plant systems that integrates multi-omics data with multiscale physiological models. Enables accurate prediction of plant responses to environmental conditions and supports FAIR-compliant, reusable computational models for plant biology research.
Overview
This solution offers an integrative computational framework for building predictive models of plant systems by combining multi-omics data with multiscale physiological modelling. The approach addresses the complexity of plant behaviour by linking high-throughput molecular data—such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics—with mechanistic models of cellular metabolism and whole-plant physiology. The result is a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing plant growth, development, and stress responses.
The framework is built on standardized, modular principles to ensure models are FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable). This allows models to be contributed to the broader scientific community for extension and reuse, accelerating collaborative research in plant biology and biotechnology.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Bond graph modelling approach ensures thermodynamic validity and consistency with physical laws across all integrated models
- Common modelling framework transforms diverse mechanistic models into a unified, interoperable structure
- Ontology-based annotation attributes function to models and supports FAIR data principles
- Model composition tools query annotation corpora to build larger whole-plant models from curated components
- Multi-omics integration links molecular data with biochemical reaction models in cellular metabolic pathways
- Multiscale capability spans cellular, tissue, and whole-plant levels, capturing behaviour across biological scales
- Reproducible computational model repository for sharing and extending validated models
The methodology builds on established expertise in standardized modelling frameworks previously applied to human physiological systems, now extended and adapted for plant biology applications.
Technology readiness level
This solution is at an early-to-mid stage of development. The underlying modelling frameworks have been validated in human physiological contexts, and recent collaborations with the New Zealand Institute for Plant and Food Research have demonstrated feasibility for plant cellular and tissue modelling. Next steps involve curating mechanistic models for diverse plant physiological processes, building a reproducible model repository, and integrating multi-omics data with metabolic pathway models. The research team is seeking partnership support for two one-year master's projects and key personnel to advance validation and expand the model corpus.
About University of Auckland
The University of Auckland is a comprehensive public research university—New Zealand’s largest—serving a broad research portfolio and a large, diverse student body. Research is anchored across adjacent city and Newmarket sites with shared core facilities, pilot lines, and test halls; the health campus sits beside major Auckland hospitals, enabling clinical translation. UniServices, the university’s commercialization company, provides a single front door for contracting, IP management, and venture formation, with experienced teams to deliver multi‑party programs. Research is supported by competitive funding from New Zealand’s major agencies and international sponsors, including programs administered by MBIE, the Health Research Council, and the Marsden Fund. Dedicated tech transfer, incubator links, and prototyping resources help partners move from discovery to pilot and scale‑up.
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