Modelathon 2018: Using multi-scale modelling for new treatments of osteoarthritic joints.

Our four-day EPSRC funded Modelathon* event brings together the very best of theory and practice in the area of multi-scale modelling. After 3 successful events, and in response to last year’s positive feedback we will once again have an additional day that takes the format of a symposium on day-one. This year our symposium will focus on the role of multi-scale modelling for new treatments of osteoarthritic joints.

This will be followed by a three-day multi-scale modelling competition. Our symposium may be attended as a standalone event or as a pre-session for our modelling competition. All  respondents from  last year’s feedback survey said they would recommend this event to their friends! 

* The Modelathon is brought to you by EPSRC’s funded projects: MultiSim and  OATech+Network

Testimonials from last year’s attendees 

Industrial participation

Our multi-scale modelling competition on days 2-4 is supported by leading companies** such as Ansys, Dassault Systemes, Synopsys, and Materialise who will provide hands-on support by sending an expert for the duration of the event to ensure participants utilise their company’s software to its full potential in a competitive environment. Our event is powered by Microsoft Azure.

Day 1
Symposium: Can clinicians, engineers and modellers help in the study, evaluation and development of new treatments for osteoarthritic joints by using multi-scale modelling methods?”
 A dialogue between clinicians, engineers and modellers.

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 30 August 2018. Places are limited to 35 participants.

Package 1

Day 1 Only (17 September)Cost: Free of ChargeThis rate is for internal and external delegates.Lectures and seminars on Day 1 only.

Package 2

4 Days (Internal applicants only) Cost: Free of Charge. Does not include breakfast and overnight accommodation.

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 events@insigneo.org by 10 September 2018

Package 3

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

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 events@insigneo.org by 10 September 2018