The Modelathon is based on the concept of a hackathon, where different teams work on a challenging problem to ‘hack’ computer code. The Modelathon brings together interdisciplinary teams of researchers to use computational modelling and simulation rather than ‘hacking’ to look at real-world medical problems.
The goal of this year’s modelathon was to develop multiscale models (0D and 3D) to explore their role in improving the management of ischaemic stroke.
The event took place at two sites simultaneously, with the Krakow teams based at the Sano Centre for Computational Medicine, supported in person by Insigneo member Dr Andrew Narracott. The teams focused on modelling the Circle of Willis, a vital arterial loop at the base of the brain that connects the anterior and posterior blood supplies.
Day one started with talks from:
- Professor Maciej Malawski, Director of Sano
- Dr Ana Narata, Consultant Neuroradiologist, University of Southampton
- Professor Wiesław Nowiński, Brain Scientist, Sano
- Dr Alberto Marzo, Senior Lecturer, University of Sheffield
to prepare them for the challenges, followed by a chance for discussions.
Teams were provided with Virtual Reality tablets and a physical model, based on a patient anatomy, complete with aneurysms, to explore the Circle of Willis anatomy in 3D. They were also given the opportunity to explore brain anatomy using Meta Quest VR Headsets.
Insigneo/Sano Modelathon
Photographs of activities at the Insigneo/Sano modelathon
After two days of intensive work, the final day was dedicated to team presentations and Sheffield Team 2 was judged to be the winners, having provided the best scientific and technical answer and impressing the panel with the different structures used in the 0D model and the simulation of the treatment in the 0D and 3D models.
Congratulations to Sheffield Team 2:
- Szymon Caban, Silesian University of Technology
- Lauren Eggleton, Sheffield Hallam University
- Silvia Dirstaru, The University of Sheffield
- Matheus Loures, The University of Sheffield
- Midhun Parakkal Unni, The University of Sheffield
- Jacob Wilkinson, The University of Sheffield
We’d like to thank all of our wonderful participants who applied their impressive knowledge and skills to the challenge. We’d also like to thank Cyfronet, Ansys, EDR Medeso and Informatyka for their support for this event.
Modelathon Lead, Professor Enrico Dall’Ara, commented, "It was inspiring to see talented researchers sitting in two institutions in two countries come together to tackle challenging biomechanical problems. The collaborative spirit and shared expertise on display were truly refreshing.
“This successful event was made possible by the dedication of the management team and the enthusiastic participation of our partners and participants.
“Well done, everyone!"
Member of Modelathon Organising Team, Maria Sendecka, Sano said, “It was a truly great event, with highly engaged participants and an impressive spirit for doing science—people genuinely motivated to find solid answers to the challenges you brought to the table. It was a real pleasure to observe their passion for problem-solving and to support them in developing their skills using the resources, tasks, and insights offered through your knowledge and experience. After some time has passed, it is clear that the participants are very happy they took part in the Modelathon.”
Participant feedback:
“Working together as a team in a real challenge was not only a lot of fun, but also an experience that will stay with me for life. It was an excellent learning opportunity and a great use of time, all while being truly enjoyable.”
Modelathon Participant, Sara Eizeddin, University of Sheffield.
“I am incredibly impressed by the support from both the organizing PhD students, the professors and other organisers throughout the workshop. The atmosphere was genuinely collaborative, and I learned a great deal just from the conversations during coffee breaks. I particularly appreciate the willingness of the faculty to sit down and explain concepts in such detail; that level of personal engagement made a huge difference in my experience.”
Modelathon Winner, Midhun Parakkal Unni, University of Sheffield.
“I would like to extend my appreciation for you all at Insigneo Institute for organising of a highly successful workshop, the 'Modelathon 2026' where the participants had valuable hands on experience for engaging in exercises that have the potential to lead to great innovations in the field of in silico medicine. I believe your efforts will contribute to advancing the personalised treatments and by doing so, will take the field of Medicine to new ethical heights.
"I'm very happy to have been a participant of this excellent event and thank you all for the opportunity provided.”
Modelathon Participant, Sudheera Kodagoda, Independent Scholar, Sri Lanka
“I really enjoyed the event. There was plenty of passion, curiosity, and great energy throughout, which made it truly inspiring.”
Modelathon Support, Maciej Ginalski, EDR Medeso
