UNIVERSITÄT BERN

STRADA

Scientific Transformations through the Alliance of Domain Knowledge and AI

Event Type: Workshop

  • Formal and Computational Modelling to Advance Theory Building: An Interactive 1-Day Workshop with Examples from Psychological Science

    Formal and Computational Modelling to Advance Theory Building: An Interactive 1-Day Workshop with Examples from Psychological Science

    Please register here until 31 July 2026. There is no registration fee, but number of seats are limited.


    Formal and computational modelling offers a way forward in addressing the theory crisis in science — by representing theories in mathematical form and making theoretical assumptions transparent and directly testable. This hands-on workshop guides you step-by-step from verbal theory to formal model.


    • 9:00 – 12:00: Systems mapping activity + introduction to model functions
    • 13:00 – 16:00: Small-group work to sketch a formal model relevant to your own research area

    • Understand why formal modelling helps address the theory crisis in scientific research
    • Learn how verbal theories map onto standard mathematical functions
    • Practice systems mapping and begin formalising a theory with R code

    Open to researchers from psychology, public health, medicine, humanities, and beyond. No prior modelling or R experience necessary — only curiosity about theory development.

  • STRADA Inaugural Workshop

    STRADA Inaugural Workshop

    Location

    Room B-102, UniS


    Schedule

    • 09:00: Introduction
    • 09:25: Flash Talk Session 1 with Kathleen Seidel, Jonathan Wermelinger and Hugo Armando Guillen Ramirez
    • 10:00: Brainstorming activity
    • 10:30: Coffee Break
    • 11:00: Flash Talk Session 2 with Ianis Vilela, Stephan Peischl and Antoine Faul
    • 11:35: Flash Talk Session 3 with Marina Eckermann, Pablo Acuaviva and Tim Steinert
    • 12:10: Closing Discussion and Outlook
    • 12:30: Joint Lunch