In recent years, computer simulations have become ubiquitous in science. They work with huge sets of data, are technologies to study processes, events or behaviour and introduce ways of doing science other than through observation, experiment or theory.
In my paper, I will study the use of computer simulations in the modern life sciences. By examining life computationally, modern systems biology aims at a new complexity of investigation, integrating information from the micro-level of molecules to the whole organism and its environment.
In particular, I will investigate the different time scales operating in simulations of biological processes. Knowing when and what are intricately entwined and play out at various levels in these combined experimental–computational set-ups: the time of the organism, the time of the simulation and the time of the scientist. My discussion will focus on the question whether simulations are new tools to integrate these various dimensions of time into a new understanding of the organism as a whole.
