Modelathon 2020: Optimisation of interventions for osteoarthritic patients with multi-scale modelling

Day 1
Symposium: Experimental and computational approaches to optimise the treatment of osteoarthritis

Workshop organisers

Dr Claudia Mazzà, Director of MultiSim, Insigneo Institute, University of Sheffield.
Dr Enrico Dall’ara, Department of Oncology & Metabolism, Insigneo Institute, University of Sheffield

Our symposium on day-one explores how multidisciplinary groups (clinicians, engineers and modellers) can combine experimental and computational research methods in a cost and time effective way to help in the study, evaluation and developments of new treatments for osteoarthritic joints.

Through expert keynotes, a round-table discussion, and three-minute-researcher presentations we will explore cutting-edge research on how new potential treatments are being tested, evaluated and optimised by using a combination of experimental and multi-scale computational, models and methods.

We hope that this event kick starts dialogues and collaborations across disciplines on the use of multi-scale modelling in research. To help us coordinate our round-table discussion, on registration, please let us know of any topics you would like covered.

The discussion will be about the evaluation and development of new treatments for osteoarthritic joints by combining computational modelling and experimental methods.

A three-day multi-scale modelling competition.

The competition is based on the concept of a hackathon where different teams work on a challenging problem to ‘hack’ computer code. This event, however, uses ‘modelling’ rather than ‘hacking’! As a MultiSim Modelathon participant you will be joining the brightest PhD and post-doctoral researchers in the field of multi-scale modelling and biomechanical engineering from around the world. Participants will be grouped into teams to try and solve a complex multi-scale modelling problem. These teams will compete against one another in front of industry and academic experts to find a solution to the assigned problem.

This is an ideal opportunity to:

• gain practical experience of working with professionals in a multi-scale research modelling team that is likely to include clinicians and modellers;
• enhance your computer simulation skills by using technical software on challenges based on the subject of multi-scale biomechanics in front of industry and academic experts;
• have access to state-of-the-art techniques and software (including Abaqus, Ansys, Simpleware, Mimics, Matlab and OpenSim) as your team works through this  multi-scale challenge;
• network and make friends in your research area;
• win Amazon gift vouchers of £100 as a member of the winning team!

Experience working in a team of  multi-scale professionals

By utilising computer simulations, participants will compete to find quicker and more effective methods of addressing musculoskeletal diseases. Teams will have access to state-of-the-art techniques and software to help them overcome the multi-scale problems. This innovative event not only creates lifelong academic connections but also gives participants the opportunity to tackle modern engineering issues head-on.

This year’s topic

This year the challenges will be based around producing a subject specific model of an osteoarthritic joint and to study the effects of potential treatments. The starting point for these challenges is medical images and gait data of a human subject. Participants will gain a deeper insight into building musculoskeletal models, finite element and medical devices models from personalised clinical data.

Register at the University of Sheffield’s online store by 20 December 2019. Places are limited to 40 participants.

Package 1: Symposium Only

Day 1 Only (13 January)

Cost: Free of Charge

This rate is for internal and external delegates. Lectures and seminars on Day 1 only.

4-Day Packages: The Modelathon

On registration, to help us set up teams,  you will be asked to:

–  summarise your academic background and expertise (up to 300 words);

–  explain what you can bring to the Modelathon (up to 300 words).

You are also expected to give a three-minute presentation about your research on Day 1.

Your presentation slides must be emailed to N.J.Powell@sheffield.ac.uk by 10 January 2019

Package 2: 4 Days – Non-Residential

4 Days (Internal applicants only) Cost: £40. Does not include breakfast and overnight accommodation.

Package 3: 4 Days – Residential

4 Days Cost: £180.00. Includes accommodation and all meals.

European Society of Biomechanics (ESB) Packages:

Members of the ESB receive a 20% discount. Your ESB membership should be in good standing and you will need to provide your ESB membership ID number.

Package 4: ESB 4 Days – Non-Residential

4 Days (Internal applicants only) Cost: £32. Does not include breakfast and overnight accommodation. With 20% ESB Discount.

Package 5: ESB 4 Days – Residential

4 Days Cost: £144.00. Includes accommodation and all meals. With 20% ESB Discount.