Venue: FIAS Hörsaal

The interdisciplinary FIGSS seminar takes place every second Monday during the semester from 12:00-13:00. PhD students of the Graduate School are given the opportunity to present and discuss their research results here. External speakers are also invited from time to time.

Program on 29.01.2024

1. Talk by: Michael Ramirez Sierra
2. Election of the student representatives

Abstract of the presentation: 

"Enhancing Parameter Inference in Developmental Biophysics Through Simulation-Based Workflows"

Addressing the Core Challenge: In developmental biology, particularly within biophysics-driven mechanistic modeling, a key challenge is parameter inference due to limited quantitative data. Qualitative experimental observations in systems like the mouse blastocyst inner cell mass (ICM) need transformation into relevant quantitative data for effective modeling.

Innovative Methodological Contributions: Our study contrasts two novel approaches for parameter inference in modeling the mouse ICM, central to understanding early embryonic cell-fate specification:

Simulated Annealing-Inspired Optimization Technique: Incorporates a simulated annealing-like method infused with reinforcement learning principles, representing an innovative blend of classical and computational optimization.

AI-Driven Simulation-Based Inference (SBI): Leverages an AI-powered SBI framework, inspired by the Sequential Neural Posterior Estimation (SNPE) algorithm, to align simulations with empirical data for refined parameter estimation.

Comparative Insights: By comparing these methods, we shed light on their unique strengths and applicability in developmental biology aiming to enhance the precision and predictive capability of biophysical models.

On the election of the student representatives (Studreps):

As every year, the election of the FIAS student representatives is due. All FIGSS doctoral students are eligible to vote. 

The tasks of the Studreps include:

• Contact persons for doctoral candidates and students
• Meetings with the administration/board on current topics
• Administration of the common room
• Organization of the Christmas party
• Organization of student activities (e.g. retreat, excursions, etc.)
• Implement your ideas (FIAS is happy to support you!)

all dates