The Department of Mathematics of Arba Minch University in collaboration with 3MC (North-West University, South Africa) and PIMS (Pacific Institute for the Mathematical Sciences, Canada) will host the above international summer school.

This summer school is the first event of a series of Collaborative and Training Programs (2026-2028) that emerges from the collaboration of two bodies: The 3MC program and PIMS (Pacific Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Canada). Thanks to the Simons Foundation for the financial support. 

Since 2023, 3MC partnered with PIMS and ICMS to organise the following series of events:

• 3MC Research School – Quantitative Biology systems: applications in ecology, epidemiology and cancer - Potchefstroom, South Africa, February 19 – 27 2024.

• 3MC-PIMS-ICMS school - Multiscale Modeling: Infectious Diseases, Cancer, and Treatments – Edinburgh, UK, December 2-13, 2024.

• 3MC-PIMS-IDMS-ICMS summer school – Quantitative cellular and molecular biology – Winnipeg, Canada, June 15-28, 2025.

The summer school aims to strengthen capacity in mathematical modelling by addressing aspects that are often difficult to learn from textbooks: developing meaningful models and interpreting their results. While analytical techniques can be systematically taught, effective model formulation and the application of results are needed. The 3MC schools seek to bridge this gap by equipping participants with practical skills and teaching resources. The programme combines traditional modelling approaches with emerging artificial intelligence tools, particularly large language models (LLMs) and generative AI, emphasizing their appropriate use alongside critical interpretation of outputs. Participants will receive training in model formulation, analytical and computational methods using open-source software such as Julia, R, and Python, as well as data analysis, parameter estimation, model selection, validation, and the interpretation of modelling results.

Instructors:

• Prof Julien Arino (University of Manitoba, Canada)

• Prof Sophie Dabo-Niang (University of Lille, France)

• Prof Mohammed Dawed Yiha (Hawassa University, Ethiopia)

• Prof Legesse Lemecha Obsu (Adama Science and Technology, Ethiopia)

• Prof Stephanie Portet (University of Manitoba, Canada)

• Prof Patrick M Tchepmo Djomegni (North-West University, South Africa)

• Prof James Watmough (University of New Brunswick, Canada)

Registration deadline: 31 August 2026

Call for project proposal: The call for problem-driven research projects with a strong emphasis on issues of local relevance to Ethiopia is now open. Interested academics and researchers are invited to submit their project proposals through the following Google Doc. Selected project proposers will co-mentor participants in collaboration with the school's instructors.

Main Organizers and Coordinators:

• Semeneh Hunachew (Arba Minch University, Ethiopia) 

• Stephanie Portet (University of Manitoba, Canada)

• Patrick Tchepmo Djomegni (North-West University, South Africa)

• Julien Arino (University of Manitoba, Canada)

• Sophie Dabo-Niang (University of Lille, France)

Local Organizing Committee:

• Dr. Semeneh Hunachew (Arba Minch University, Ethiopia)

• Dr. Teshome Bayileyegn (Arba Minch University, Ethiopia)

• Dr. Endalkachew Teshome (Arba Minch University, Ethiopia)

• Dr. Mulugeta Habte (Arba Minch University, Ethiopia)

• Dr. Eyaya Fekade (Arba Minch University, Ethiopia)

• Mrs. Lomi Bekele (Arba Minch University, Ethiopia)

• Mrs. Timesgen Tadesse (Arba Minch University, Ethiopia)

Scientific committee:

• Stephanie Portet (University of Manitoba, Canada)

• Patrick M Tchepmo Djomegni (North-West University, South Africa)

• Semeneh Hunachew (Arba Minch University, Ethiopia)

• Achamyelesh Amare (Wollo University, Ethiopia)

• Julien Arino (University of Manitoba, Canada)

• Sophie Dabo-Niang (University of Lille, France)

• Manalebish Debalkie (Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia) 

• Sanne ter Host (North-West University, South Africa)

• Teshome Bayleyegn (Arba Minch University, Ethiopia)

• Emawayish Tegegn (Dire Dawa University, Ethiopia)