Network-based models of transport in the lungs and placenta

The lungs and placenta are complex branching organs, containing tens to hundreds of thousands of airways and blood vessels. Understanding this complexity requires reduced-order approaches that capture the salient physiology and can incorporate data.

In the first VPH Young Scientists Committee-driven webinar of 2026, Carl Whitfield from University of Manchester will discuss applications of such modelling approaches to these organ-systems, with a focus on image based models to study organ function (i.e. ventilation and/or perfusion) and transport/deposition of material (i.e. nutrients in the placenta and/or inhaled particles in the lungs). The talk will also focus on some of the future potential of these modelling approaches for personalised and in silico medicine.

The webinar will be moderated by the VPH Young Scientist Committee member, Robin Curnow (University of Manchester).

Register here to attend the webinar.