Student Spring School on ARTIFICIAL IMMUNE SYSTEMS - Principles, practice and application

University of Wales, Aberystwyth, April 8-13th

The ARTIST network is an EPSRC funded network focused on the development and application of Artificial Immune Systems (AIS). This Spring School is intended to inform students embarking on or in the early stages of postgraduate study about existing AIS techniques and the research agenda in the field. The Spring School will run from April 8th to April 13th and will include the following:

• Master classes by world leading researchers in AIS theory and practice
• Hands-on experience of AIS research under the guidance of internationally renowned AIS researchers
• Preparation of a group paper detailing the research undertaken, and a "best paper" competition upon completion
• Access to an informal advisory panel of AIS researchers throughout

Best Paper Competition

In order to motivate and improve the learning experience there will be a best paper competition which is intended to promote friendly rivalry between the groups working with each expert. A prize of £50 cash will be awarded to each member of the group producing the best paper as judged by the advisory panel.

Format of the Spring School

There will be four groups of students each lead by internationally renowned researchers. Each group will consist of 3 or 4 students who will work as a team to tackle a problem which is set by the group leaders. Pre-prepared code and datasets specific to the problems for each group will be provided where necessary, and computer facilities will be available for the duration of the School. Whilst the programme of work will be intensive and highly focused, there will be ample opportunity for relaxation and an afternoon trip is included.

Funding and Application Process

The Spring School is funded by the ARTIST network, and accommodation, meals and coffee breaks will be included for fulltime students. Funding arrangements for other attendees will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and funded as deemed appropriate by the ARTIST executive board.

Applicants should email: mjn@aber.ac.uk including name, status, organization/university, contact details and a 200 word explanation of how and why you feel that you would benefit from participating in the ARTIST Spring School on Artificial Immune Systems.

Applications can also be made by mail or fax (see below).

Applications will be considered by the ARTIST executive board and judged according to the expected benefit to be gained by the applicant. Applicants in fulltime education will usually be fully funded. Accommodation is included and some meals are also included. Travel is not included although separate applications to the ARTIST network can be made.

Programme

• Sat 8th April: 16:00 Registration opens, Welcome and Introductions, Welcome dinner
• Sun 9th April: Introduction to AIS, Sightseeing, Introduction to research topics
• Mon 10th - Wed 12th April: Intensive guided research collaboration with expert assistance and technical support
• Thur 13th April: Presentation of completed outline papers and "best paper" award, 13:00 Wrap-up and goodbye lunch

Follow-Up

We expect to follow-up the Spring School by continuing to work on the papers and research undertaken. The best paper, and any other papers of a suitable standard will be refined and submitted to the next ICARIS conference for publication

Contact details

The above details are available to download in the following pdf