Mini-Course: Mathematical Phylogenetics
Thời gian: 08:00:02/11/2026 đến 17:00:06/11/2026
Địa điểm: Vietnam Institute for Advanced Study in Mathematics (VIASM) 161 Huynh Thuc Khang Street, Lang Ward, Hanoi
Organizing Committee
- Olivier Gascuel, Research Director at CNRS, France;
- Bui Minh, Australian National University, Australia;
- Marc Choisy, University of Oxford, UK;
- Lê Sỹ Vinh, VNU University of Engineering and Technology, Hanoi.
Speakers
- Elizabeth Allman, University of Alaska Fairbanks, USA;
- David Bryant, University of Otago, New Zealand;
- Caroline Colijn, Simon Fraser University, Canada;
- Isabel Sanmartin, Real Jardín Botánico, Spain;
- John Rhodes, University of Alaska Fairbanks, USA.
Teaching Assistants
- Đặng Cao Cường, VNU University of Engineering and Technology, Hanoi;
- Tu-Hien To, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway.
Objective
The goal of phylogenetics is to reconstruct the evolution of species using today's data, essentially the DNA and RNA sequences of those species and their proteins. Phylogenetics has a wide range of applications, most notably in epidemiology, where it has been key in tracking the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and the emergence of new variants, but also in many other fields, such as biodiversity studies or agronomic studies to improve crop varieties.
Phylogenetics relies on probabilistic models, most often Markovian, and on sophisticated algorithms. A large part of phylogenetic research is based on mathematics, statistics, and algorithmics.
The aim of this mini-course is to introduce the beauty of evolutionary biology, mathematical phylogenetics, and their applications in molecular epidemiology. The speakers are internationally renowned researchers who have a strong mathematical background and extensive experience of teaching phylogenetics to audiences from a variety of disciplines, ranging from biology to pure mathematics, through to computer science and statistics.
The mini-course will include large audience tutorials, with a strong mathematical flavor. Each tutorial consists of a three-hour morning session that includes a coffee break and discussions with attendees. Lunch will be shared with attendees. The afternoons will be reserved for presentations by the attendees and discussions. Wednesday afternoon is free. The last session on Friday will be for one or two conferences, final discussions, and a farewell drink
Some students and attendees may also be interested in software programs, but Bui Minh, Tu-Hien To, Dan Cao Cuong, Vinh Le Si, Marc Choisy, and Olivier Gascuel will be available for a month (or more) at the VIASM, to provide teaching and assistance. These more practical aspects will be organized separately from the mini-course on mathematical phylogenetics, probably beforehand as an introduction to the subject, mainly for students, with some focus on molecular and virus epidemiology
Participants: We typically target young researchers during their PhD, postdoctoral fellowship or early career. However, advanced researchers are also welcome to delve into new and topical questions in mathematical biology.
Prerequisite:
- No specific equipment is required. A basic knowledge of mathematics, statistics and computer science will be useful for understanding all aspects of this mini-course.
- A master's degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, bioinformatics or biology is required.
Format: In-person
Language: English
Registration
Registration: HERE
Deadline for grant application: October 2, 2026
Deadline for registration: October 18, 2026
Contact:
Ms. Dang Le Hoang Anh (VIASM),
Email: Mathematical-Phylogenetics-2026@viasm.edu.vn