Approximate Bayesian Computation
(Training)

This workshop was the first of three which form part of a larger PhD course on the coalescent theory.

Student feedback from the workshop
By Patricia Gonzalez Diaz, Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, UK

I attended to the “Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC)” workshop carried out at Uppsala University (Sweden), as part of the training courses of EVOLTREE. 

I’m a PhD student from the Centre of Ecology and Hydrology and EVOLTREE member. I am currently studying the effects of past demographic events on the current genetic diversity of forest tree species. To do that, ABC it’s a very powerful and useful tool, however learn to manage with these techniques by yourself sometimes is not an easy task. The workshop in ABC was a great opportunity to learn and discuss with other researches and students about the ABC framework, procedure, aims and advantage of these analyses. 

The course was led by Daniel Wegmann, who is a great speaker and has amazing knowledge on ABC methods, coalescent theory and population genetics, among others. It was perfectly organized in two days, starting with a more general introduction to the ABC analyses, and going deeper in practical sessions with real examples. The experience was as intensive and as useful, allowing me to improve my knowledge on ABC analyses, by asking experts about very specific and applied questions from my specific work and obtaining really useful suggestions. 

Thanks to the EVOLTREE financial support I was able to cover all the expenses during my stay in Uppsala. I’m really glad to have been part of this workshop, and I would like to thank EVOLTREE, the speaker and the organizers for their great job during the workshop! I really recommend the EVOLTREE training courses!