Training: Modelling COVID-19 epidemics

Background

This course is aimed toward anyone who seeks to understand and assess the utility of mathematical models to make a prediction which could play a key role in government policymaking, as well as a research strategy for pandemic diseases such as COVID-19. 

The strategies of ‘learning by example’ and ‘learning by doing’ will be here instantiated as learning how to use and tailor Westerhoff & Kolodkin’s COVID-19 model. This model will be used as a tool to analyse late phases of the COVID-19 pandemic, to collect and analyse data, and to use these data for model-driven predictions that identify the best strategies for dealing with the second wave of this pandemic and with future epidemics of this type.  

Thanks to EOSC-Life’s 1st Training Open Call, this course is being co-organized with ELIXIR-LU and ISBE-NL. The course will consist of 2 modules taught over two weeks: 30 Nov – 2 Dec, 2020 (week 1) Module I which embodies the core course, and 7-9 Dec, 2020 (week 2)  Module II  (optional module), in which participants are assisted in their own modelling. 

Learning objectives

After this course, participants should be able to:

• understand some fundamentals of mathematical modelling and working with models using special software (COPASI) and online websites without going deep into mathematics;
• see how models might be used for simulation/predictions;
• find, collect and mine data to be used for model fitting;
• understand models’ limitations (e.g how can I assess which model(s) are suitable for my question(s) and how the assumptions and design influence the result);
• use models independently for evaluating different actions of government; this includes extending the models with non-biological aspects;
• discuss on the basis of knowledge and experience in which way systems biology modelling can contribute to the analysis of some societal problems.

Requirements

Participants do not require previous experience in using bioinformatics resources or methods. Scientific mindset and some professional expertise to share with other participants are the only requirements.

Time Plan

• Week 1, 30 Nov-2 Dec (3 half-days, 14:00-17:00 CET)

Module I: Running the available model of COVID-19 epidemics | core module

• Week 2, 7-9 Dec (3 half-days, 14:00-17:00 CET)

 Module II: Tailor Your Own Model | optional module 

View the Full Course Program

Speakers

Alexey Kolodkin (Elixir-LU/ LCSB), Hans V. Westerhoff (ISBE.NL),  Stefania Astrologo (ISBE.NL), Olga Krebs (deNBI /FAIRDOM)

Address

The course will be held online. Access will be available for registered participants only.

Contact

Stefania Astrologo, Veronica Codoni

This course has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant Agreement no. 824087.