School of Mathematical Sciences Colloquium Series logo


Statistical challenges in molecular phylogenetics

by

Dr Barbara Holland


Location: Mawson Lab G19 lecture theatre

Date: Friday, 20 May

Time: 15:10

Abstract: This talk will give an introduction to the ways that mathematics and statistics gets used in the inference of evolutionary (phylogenetic) trees. Taking a model-based approach to estimating the relationships between species has proven to be an enormously effective, however, there are some tricky statistical challenges that remain. The increasingly plentiful amount of DNA sequence data is a boon, but it is also throwing a spotlight on some of the shortcomings of current best practice particularly in how we (1) assess the reliability of our phylogenetic estimates, and (2) how we choose appropriate models. This talk will aim to give a general introduction this area of research and will also highlight some results from two of my recent PhD students.

The Colloquium will be followed by a reception for our speaker in the Staff Tea Room with wine and nibbles to which all are invited.

Barbara Holland's web-page

Slides of Barbara's talk

Phylomania 2011