MSB Training School 2023: Statistical and Machine Learning Modeling of Biological Data in R
October 18-20, 2023
Organized at the University of Tirana, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Tirana (Albania)
About
The aim of this training school is to equip students and young researchers working with biological data with the necessary statistical and machine learning tools needed to analyze biological data.
The program will focus on the application of modern statistics and R programming, to tackle biological challenges effectively. We will offer comprehensive workshops that cater to both beginners and experienced researchers in the field. We believe in learning by doing, so our lectures will emphasize practical applications and real-life projects. Whether you are new to data analysis or seeking to enhance your existing skills, the training modules are tailored to meet your learning needs.
Program highlights
What You'll Learn:
Introduction to R and Data Manipulation: Gain a solid understanding of R programming and learn how to effectively manage, clean, and preprocess biological datasets.
Biological Data Visualization: Acquire skills in creating visually informative plots and charts to effectively communicate your findings.
Statistical Analysis in R: Explore a range of statistical methods tailored for biological data analysis, including hypothesis testing, linear models, and multivariate analysis.
Feature Selection and Dimensionality Reduction: Master the art of selecting relevant features and reducing the complexity of high-dimensional biological datasets.
Machine Learning Techniques: Discover various machine learning algorithms such as regression, random forests, and support vector machines, and understand how to apply them to biological data.
Case Studies and Real-World Projects: Work on hands-on projects using actual biological datasets, gaining valuable experience in tackling real-world research problems.
A detailed program can be accessed here.
Trainers
Dr. Alise Ponsero
Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University of Helsinki, Finland
Dr. Annamaria Porreca
Research Fellow at the G. d'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
Dr. Eliana Ibrahimi
Lecturer and Researcher at University of Tirana
Dr. Malvina Marku
Postdoctoral Researcher at the French Institute of Health and Medical Research, France
Dr. Marta B. Lopes
Researcher at NOVA University of Lisbon, Portugal
Dr. Matti Ruskanen
Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Turku, Finland
Keynote speaker
Participants
Onsite participants
Fabiola Noga, University of Medicine Tirana, Albania
Ronaldo Leka, Bilkent University, Turkey
Blerta Laze, University of Vlora “Ismail Qemali”, Albania
Keisi Mecaj, KU Leuven, Belgium
Brunilda Dakavelli, National Blood Transfusion Center, Albania
Brunilda Mezani, Western Balcans University, Albania
Xhuljana Arapaj, University of Vlora, "Ismail Qemali", Albania
Brunilda Veshaj, University of Vlora, "Ismail Qemali" , Albania
Blerta Tabaku, University of Tirana, Albania
Melisa Meto, University of Tirana, Albania
Eni Hoxha, University of Tirana, Albania
Mariola Ismailaj, University of Vlora, "Ismail Qemali", Albania
Geolind Çobaj, University of Vlora, "Ismail Qemali", Albania
Ema Lushnjari, University of Tirana, Albania
Klaudia Kaiku, University of Tirana, Albania
Lorena Hysi, Agricultural University of Tirana, Albania
Stela Ruci, University of Tirana, Albania
Online participants
Andrea Koca, University of Vienna, Austria
Lisia Peqini, University of Padova, Italy
Aurora Bakaj, University "Ismail Qemali" Vlore, Albania
Enkelejda Bara, University of Tirana, Albania
Qemal Shehu, University of Tirana, Albania
Muhammad Yaqoob, Institute of Behavioral Science, Pakistan
Melissa Basso, University of Surrey, United Kingdom
Itrat Zehrh, Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan
Gerta Subashaj, University of Tirana, Albania
Denada Sota, Universiteti Ismail Qemali Vlore, Albania
Registration & Logistics
Onsite participation in this training school is free of charge but limited to 30 participants. Selection will be based on motivation. Several lectures will be streamed online via Zoom for those who can not participate onsite.
Onsite participants will receive a certificate of completion and are required to have their own laptops. A virtual environment, which can be accessed through a web browser, will be used during practical sessions.
Applications for onsite participation can be submitted here before September 25, 2023. Notification of acceptance will be sent to selected participants by September 30, 2023. Registrations for online participation are open until October 15, 2023.
Venue
Faculty of Natural Sciences - University of Tirana
Address: Bulv Zogu I, Tirana, Albania
Building B, Room 103
Organizers & Contact
Eliana Ibrahimi
Department of Biology, University of Tirana
Alise Ponsero
Human Microbiome Research, University of Helsinki
Marta B. Lopes
NOVA Math, NOVA University of Lisbon
Contact
Email: eliana.ibrahimi@fshn.edu.al
Support staff
Melisa Meto
Department of Biology, University of Tirana
Blerta Tabaku
Department of Biology, University of Tirana
Supported by