Summer School in Mathematical Modelling for Evolutionary Biology

Aug 31 - Sept 5, 2026

Charles MULLON

Prof Charles Mullon, UNIL

• Prof Charles Mullon, UNIL 
• Prof Sara Mitri, UNIL
• Prof Sonja Lehtinen, UNIL
• Dr Thomas Lesaffre, UNIL
• Dr Ewan Flintham, UNIL
• Dr Malvika Srivastava, UNIL

The summer school will offer an intensive, interdisciplinary training experience centred around advanced mathematical and computational modelling methods, specifically tailored for evolutionary biology. The programme is designed to integrate theoretical insights with practical applications, ensuring that participants develop both a thorough conceptual understanding and the technical expertise necessary for innovative research. Participants will gain key understanding into core topics such as population and quantitative genetics, evolutionary game theory, invasion analyses, and modelling structured populations and social interactions.

Morning sessions will consist of detailed lectures covering essential theoretical frameworks and foundational mathematical techniques relevant to these fields. Each afternoon, participants will actively engage in practical sessions, guided through structured exercises and computational modelling tasks using specialised software tools such as Mathematica, thus enabling immediate application and reinforcement of theoretical concepts. An essential feature of the summer school is its collaborative dimension. Early in the programme, participants will form small working groups to address significant questions in evolutionary biology, synthesising concepts from lectures and practical exercises into comprehensive modelling projects. These group projects are designed to encourage critical thinking, scientific creativity, and effective communication skills. On the final day, groups will present their findings to fellow participants and instructors, promoting a dynamic atmosphere of scholarly discussion, constructive feedback, and intellectual exchange.

Moreover, the summer school will include seminars from internationally recognised speakers, providing participants with exposure to ongoing research and current scientific debates. Supplementary interactive events, such as roundtable discussions, an evening workshop dedicated to best practices in modelling, and structured social occasions including an opening reception and a closing dinner, will further foster intellectual engagement, networking, and the building of professional connections among participants and instructors.

UNIL

Last year's edition

CUSO candidates: Free but Deposit of 100 CHF - returned once your completed the course.

External: please check the UNIL website

You need to register on the UNIL website as well in order to secure your spot - You will need to submit a CV and a cover letter.

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