MMC25-01 — EMBO Practical Course Computational modelling of multicellular systems

This practical course teaches the basics of multicellular modelling to any researcher wishing to enter the field, particularly experimentalists with no prior experience of computational modelling. It is a “hands-on” course with 60% of the time devoted to students working on laptops performing exercises designed to give a practical familiarity with different types of computational modelling. The course focuses on the dynamics of multicellular systems- from embryos to organoids, covering both the molecular side (how gene regulatory networks perform pattern formation) and also the mechanical side in 2D and 3D (how the movements and activities of many cells together leads to tissue-level morphogenesis and organisation). A carefully-chosen variety of modelling tools will be introduced, which cover the core approaches of vertex models, finite element models (FEM), and agent-based models (ABM). Attendees will also work through the week in small groups on group projects, which will be presented on the last day to the whole class. Each day will end with a keynote lecture by a prominent researcher in the field, putting the topic of the day into context through an example of relevant biological research.