Course on genetic simulations with the SLiM software

Luke and the University of Helsinki are organizing a course on genetic simulations with the SLiM software from 11-15 August 2025, University campus in Viikki, Finland. In case you are interested to participate (or know somebody who could be interested) you can already register via the link below.

About the workshop: 

SLiM (https://messerlab.org/slim/) has developed into one of the most versatile simulation programs in population genetics in recent years and now also supports multi-species models such as host-parasite interactions. It is extremely flexible in creating genetic scenarios as SLiM works very similar to R (that means: if you have some basic experience in R you will quickly learn to program in SLiM). We are very happy that we could persuade Benjamin Haller from Cornell University to come to Helsinki in 2025 to give a one-week hands-on course. Ben has created SLiM and with the help of numerous colleagues from all over the world he has continuously improved it and made it more user-friendly. SLiM has a wide range of potential applications in tree genomics such as assessment of genomic offsets predictions, simulation of adaptive walks, testing accuracies of effective population size estimations in conservation genetics, and many more. The last day of the workshop is usually open-modelling day and you can use this day to discuss your specific problem with Ben in person so that he may give you some advice on how to employ SLiM for your own needs.

Specific themes of the course will be:

• An introduction to SLiM
• Modelling Quantitative traits with SLiM
• Non-Wright–Fisher models in SLiM
• Continuous-space models
• Tree-sequence recording
• Nucleotide-based models
• Multispecies simulations
• and many more….

To register, please go to the link below and follow the instructions to apply. There is a general application form, because several workshops are planned in Europe in 2025. At some point you will be asked for the preferred location and you can select Helsinki. Please add “Evoltree” when you are asked for your lab. Seats are limited and it is: first comes, first serves.

There will be no workshop fee, but participants will need to cover their own travel, accommodation, and lunch (coffee breaks and a social dinner will be organized by the hosts). Evoltree can provide travel funding for a limited number of participants (please see the exact number after February 2025 on the website). For reimbursement up to 600 EUR, please follow the instructions on the Evoltree website. The application for reimbursement can be submitted at the earliest 60 days before the training.

Register here: https://forms.gle/UEYp89VeFTv79bTZ9

 The workshop will take place at the University campus in Viikki.

For further questions, please contact marjana.westergren(at)gozdis.si and put jan-peter.george(at)luke.fi and tanja.pyhajarvi(at)helsinki.fi in CC.