article published yes Cornelia Schwayer author 3436488C-F248-11E8-B48F-1D18A9856A870000-0001-5130-2226 David Brückner author e1e86031-6537-11eb-953a-f7ab92be508d0000-0001-7205-2975 EdHa department CaHe department A mechano-chemical theory for stem cell fate decisions in organoid development project Understanding complex living systems, which are fundamentally constrained by physical phenomena, requires combining experimental data with theoretical physical and mathematical models. To develop such models, collaborations between experimental cell biologists and theoreticians are increasingly important but these two groups often face challenges achieving mutual understanding. To help navigate these challenges, this Perspective discusses different modelling approaches, including bottom-up hypothesis-driven and top-down data-driven models, and highlights their strengths and applications. Using cell mechanics as an example, we explore the integration of specific physical models with experimental data from the molecular, cellular and tissue level up to multiscale input. We also emphasize the importance of constraining model complexity and outline strategies for crosstalk between experimental design and model development. Furthermore, we highlight how physical models can provide conceptual insights and produce unifying and generalizable frameworks for biological phenomena. Overall, this Perspective aims to promote fruitful collaborations that advance our understanding of complex biological systems. The Company of Biologists2023 eng Cell Biology 0021-9533 1477-9137 38149871 00116539490001110.1242/jcs.261515 13624 Schwayer C, Brückner D. Connecting theory and experiment in cell and tissue mechanics. <i>Journal of Cell Science</i>. 2023;136(24). doi:<a href="https://doi.org/10.1242/jcs.261515">10.1242/jcs.261515</a> Schwayer C, Brückner D. 2023. Connecting theory and experiment in cell and tissue mechanics. Journal of Cell Science. 136(24), jcs. 261515. Schwayer, Cornelia, and David Brückner. “Connecting Theory and Experiment in Cell and Tissue Mechanics.” <i>Journal of Cell Science</i>, vol. 136, no. 24, jcs. 261515, The Company of Biologists, 2023, doi:<a href="https://doi.org/10.1242/jcs.261515">10.1242/jcs.261515</a>. Schwayer, Cornelia, and David Brückner. “Connecting Theory and Experiment in Cell and Tissue Mechanics.” <i>Journal of Cell Science</i>. The Company of Biologists, 2023. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1242/jcs.261515">https://doi.org/10.1242/jcs.261515</a>. C. Schwayer and D. Brückner, “Connecting theory and experiment in cell and tissue mechanics,” <i>Journal of Cell Science</i>, vol. 136, no. 24. The Company of Biologists, 2023. Schwayer, C., &#38; Brückner, D. (2023). Connecting theory and experiment in cell and tissue mechanics. <i>Journal of Cell Science</i>. The Company of Biologists. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1242/jcs.261515">https://doi.org/10.1242/jcs.261515</a> C. Schwayer, D. Brückner, Journal of Cell Science 136 (2023). 148272024-01-17T12:46:55Z2025-09-09T14:22:02Z