Network Ecology – from bipartite to multilayer networks
From 24 Nov 2025 until 28 Nov 2025 - BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal (Face-to-face)
All living organisms on Earth interact in intricate ways, forming a complex, interwoven system—what Charles Darwin famously referred to as the "entangled bank." Network Theory provides a set of concepts and analytical tools that enable us to unravel this complexity and address pressing ecological and conservation issues. This course is designed to empower students to integrate Network Ecology into their research endeavours. It blends theoretical frameworks with hands-on practice, driven by both individual and collaborative projects. Students are encouraged to pursue their ecological interaction projects and work with their datasets, as many course activities centre on data analysis and interactive discussions.
PROGRAM
24/11
(Mon) 9:30-13:00
14:00-17:30 Introduction of the course, instructors, and students
Theory 1: History and Graph Theory
Theory 2: Biological bases and applicability
Theory 3: Network structure (metrics at the network/community level)
Practice 1: Analyses at the network level
25/11
(Tue) 9:30-13:00
14:00-17:30 Theory 4: Network structure (metrics at the node/species level)
Practice 2: Analyses at the node level
Hands-on: Bipartite network analysis
26/11
(Wed) 9:30-13:00
14:00-17:30 Theory 5: Multilayer network introduction
Practice 3: Multilayer network analysis
27/11
(Thu) 9:30-13:00
14:00-17:30 Practice 4: Multilayer network analysis
Hands-on: students’ time to prepare the final project and free time for questions
28/11
(Fri) 9:30-13:00 Students’ projects – presentation and evaluation
CALENDAR
5 days - 32h (Friday only in the morning) - Schedule: 09:30 - 13:00 & 14:00 - 17:30
COURSE INSTRUCTORS
Coordination
Luis P. da Silva | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
Instructors
Sérgio Timóteo | Universidade de Coimbra
Talya Hackett | University of Leeds
Instructors
Sérgio Timóteo | Universidade de Coimbra
Talya Hackett | University of Leeds
SELECTION CRITERIA
The course will be open to a maximum number of 20 participants.
75% of available student slots are reserved for BIODIV students.
Priority will be given to:
• 1st year and other PhD students attending the BIODIV Doctoral Program;
• PhD students attending other courses;
• Other post-graduate students and researchers.
(A minimum number of participants is required for the course to take place)
APPLICATION
Deadline: 15 October 2025
To apply fill the FORM
A copy of your submitted form will be sent to the email address you provided. This email is your confirmation that the application was successfully submitted.
A copy of your submitted form will be sent to the email address you provided. This email is your confirmation that the application was successfully submitted.
If you don't receive this email, your application was not successfully submitted.
We will email you the results within 10 working days after the application deadline.
REGISTRATION
95€ (students) | 200€ (other participants).
BIOPOLIS/ CIBIO members will have an additional discount of 20%.
Participation is free of charge for BIODIV Students (M BGE & PhD) & CIBIO's TwinLabs members.
(If applicable, payment will be made to Associação BIOPOLIS - VAT No. 516033727. Information on the payment amount and the payment deadline will be sent together with the results notification, and a proforma invoice may be issued in due time).
MORE INFORMATION
Registration fees do not include accommodation or meals.
No ECTS credits are awarded for attending the course. Participants receive a certificate of attendance without quantitative evaluation.
CONTACT
Education & Training Unit (Post graduation office)
+351 252 660 425