Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, Canada

www.civil.uwaterloo.ca/brodland

Computational biology is crucial for understanding embryo morphogenesis

The objective of our research program is to understand the causes of malformation-type birth defects so that effective prevention strategies can be devised. To this end, we have developed a unique robotic microscope that allows us to collect time-lapse images of live amphibian embryos and carry out detailed three-dimensional reconstructions of them. This allows us to determine how much each part of the embryo must change shape in order to form a specific structure such as the neural tube, the precursor of the spinal cord and brain. In order to determine the forces that drive these important morphogenetic movements, we have developed custom finite element software. This software enables us to carry out simulations of neural tube formation, and simulations of cell sorting and related phenomena.

Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência

A new method to interprete genotype and phenotype information by multivariate data.

(not supplied)

Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência (Theoretical Epidemiology)

The Theoretical Epidemiology Group

Without slides, I will provide an overview of current projects in our group. The group completes 5 years at the IGC at the end of this month and will soon start a new era at the University of Lisbon. I will tell you what I know about this new setting, new projects, new opportunities... and explore ways for maintaining collaborations with the EAO.

Evolution et Diversité Biologique, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse

Population and Conservation Genetics, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência

Population and Conservation Genetics

Lounès will introduce his group and give an overview of his scientific interests