Whole-cell (WC) models that predict phenotype from genotype by accounting for each gene function are promising tools for bioengineering and precision medicine. However, significant work remains to develop WC models. The goal of the 2020 Whole-Cell Modeling School & Workshop is to coordinate the community’s effort to develop WC models and train young researchers in WC modeling.

The 7-day meeting will be comprised of two parts

• A 4-day school for 25 PhD students and postdoctoral scholars
• A 3-day workshop for 25 additional researchers, as well as the trainees

The course will teach strategies for building and managing large models, including multi-algorithm modeling, model organism database curation, surrogate modeling, and software development. The course will feature didactic lectures, interactive hands-on tutorials, and student research talks.

The goal of the workshop will be to develop a community roadmap for WC modeling which outlines the major challenges and concrete plans for the next 2-3 years. The workshop will be organized into 6 sessions, each of which will begin with a brief motivating talk followed by breakout and whole-group discussions.