Central to a number of biological disciplines is an understanding of the relationship between structure and function in the craniofacial skeleton during both development and evolution. Recent advances in the availability of 3D imaging  and computing power allow morphologists to use the engineering tools of finite element analysis (FEA) to address previously intractable questions. Biologically meaningful finite element modelling of the craniofacial skeleton however not only requires a diverse array of information ranging from the material properties of foods and craniofacial tissues to in vivo EMG, but also validation and sensitivity tests to assess whether the models adequately approximate reality. This symposium brings together an international group of experts covering this diverse range of topics necessary to model the biomechanics of the craniofacial skeleton.