Calibrating and Relating agent based models to spatial data

Organizers:

Sydney Ackermann, Ramanarayanan Kizhuttil, Samrat Sohel Mondal (Wodarz lab) (University of California, San Diego)

Description:

Spatial agent-based models are powerful tools for simulating biological systems (such as cancer, bacterial colonies, and many ecological interactions), and for understanding the principles governing their evolution and dynamics. Spatial structure and aspects such as localized interactions between individuals, competition for space and resources, and migration significantly influence evolutionary outcomes. With advancements in technology generating increasing amounts of spatial data through imaging and sequencing, spatial agent-based models are expected to become even more prominent. Yet, computational methodologies to parameterize these models, to quantify their sensitivity to input parameters, and to validate them against complex spatial data sets are much less developed compared to non-spatial modeling approaches. These aspects, however, are critical for successfully and confidently translating agent-based models into clinically relevant settings. This mini-symposium aims to bring together researchers experienced/involved in developing and calibrating agent-based models, to discuss these issues, and to explore the development of new methodologies to analyze them and relate them to data.