Course
Publié : 16 March 2026
I Mis à jour : 1 December 2025
[FRB-CESAB] Theory-driven Analysis of Ecological Data – 2026
Building and using mathematical models for ecological research
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16The CESAB – Centre for Biodiversity Synthesis and Analysis – and the GdR TheoMoDive organize the fifth edition of the training course “Theory-driven Analysis of Ecological Data”. The objective of this five-day course is to train young researchers in building and analyzing mathematical models that will help them better understand ecological data. By contrast with purely statistical models, this course emphasizes a process-driven approach based on ecological theory. The course covers a general introduction to ecological modeling and thematic sessions focused on three topics of interest (time series, spatial data, interaction networks). Each topic is explored through mathematical models as well as inferential and predictive approaches, with a mix of courses and practical.
The training course, in English, will take place from the 16th to the 20th of March 2026 in the CESAB premises in Montpellier. The price is 250 € for the week, including lunch. Travel, accommodation and evening meals are at the expense of the participants.
The FRB offers 4 scholarships of 250 euros each, which will cover the full registration fees. These scholarships are intended to support individuals who do not receive any institutional support (e.g., funding from their laboratory, research team, etc.) and who are unable to cover the registration fees with their own funds. We fully trust each applicant to assess their situation and apply for a scholarship only if necessary. The selection of participants will be carried out independently of the scholarship applications. Once this selection is made, the scholarships will be awarded by a random draw among the selected participants who have expressed a need for financial assistance (4 scholarships).
Find the training course on GitHub
A good knowledge of the R software is required.
List of organizers (by alphabetical order):
- Vincent CALCAGNO (INRAE, ISA)
- Emanuel FRONHOFER (CNRS, Isem)
- Isabelle GOUNAND (CNRS, iEES-Paris)
- Claire JACQUET (CNRS, Isem)
- Sonia KEFI (CNRS, Isem)
- François MASSOL (CNRS, iEES-Paris)
Program
Monday
- Introduction to modelling and theory
Tuesday
- Population dynamics in ecology and temporal series
Wednesday
- Spatial distribution, macro-ecology and co-occurrences
Thursday
- Interaction networks, trophic networks, and complexity in ecology
Friday
- Project in subgroups
co-organizer
