Epidemiological modeling using the GreatMod framework
Marco Beccuti, University of Torino
Tuesday, June 6th 2023; 10:30am-12:30pm Tuesday, June 6th 2023; 1:30pm-3:30pm

Abstract: In this practical course, we will exploit the GreatMod framework for modelling and analysing epidemiological models. GreatMod framework presents a new way of facing the modelling analysis, exploiting the high-level graphical formalism, called Petri Net (PN), and its generalizations, which provide a compact, parametric and intuitive graphical description of the system and automatic derivation of the low-level mathematical processes (either deterministic and stochastic) characterizing the system dynamics. The framework strengths can be summarized into four points:
1. the use of a graphical formalism to simplify the model creation phase by exploiting the GreatSPN GUI;
2. the implementation of an R package, EPIMOD, providing a friendly interface to access the analysis techniques (from the sensitivity analysis and calibration of the parameters to the model simulation);
3. a high level of portability and reproducibility granted by the containerization of all analysis techniques implemented in the framework;
4. a well-defined schema and related infrastructure to allow users to easily integrate their analysis workflow in the framework. In detail, the students during the course will learn how to create epidemiological models (e.g. SIR, SEIR, ..) in GreatMOD and to study its behaviours through tools such as sensitivity analysis, data calibration and what-if analysis. Moreover, students will have the opportunity to test by themselves the difference between modelling epidemiological models through deterministic or stochastic processes.

Bio: Marco Beccuti is currently an associate professor at Dep. Computer Science of the Univ. of Turin, scientific coordinator of InfoLife National Laboratory of CINI, technical coordinator of ELIXIR Node of Univ. of Turin, scientific coordinator of the laboratory “HPC for Biomed and AI” in ICxT, Chair of the Scientific Committee of the “HPC4AI” laboratory” at the Univ. of Turin, and scientific co-coordinator of q-Bio group.