Integrating in silico and experimental approaches in biomedical research: Challenges and best practices

This webinar begins with a familiar experience in biomedical research: as projects evolve, researchers inevitably encounter uncertainties that challenge initial assumptions, methods, and even confidence in their results.

Through an interactive panel discussion, Shiny Martis B, Stéphane Avril, and Simona Celi will reflect on how these challenges are addressed in practice, exploring the dynamic interplay between in silico modelling, in vitro experimentation, and in/ex vivo studies. Rather than focusing on specific scientific outcomes, the session will examine how trust in models is built or questioned, how discrepancies between approaches are handled, and how different forms of evidence are integrated to inform scientific and clinical decisions.

The discussion will place particular emphasis on research practices and methodological thinking. Key themes will include the balance between computational and experimental strategies, the evaluation and interpretation of evidence, and the skills needed to navigate increasingly interdisciplinary research environments.

By shifting the focus from results to process, this webinar aims to foster a more critical, integrated, and reflective approach to biomedical research—especially for early-career scientists working at the intersection of disciplines.

This webinar was moderated by VPH Young Scientist Committee members, Luca Bontempi (Erasmus MC – TU Delft) and Elena Redaelli (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC).

Speaker’s bio:

• Shiny Martis B

Shiny Martis is a Senior Regulatory Scientist at VCLS France, specialising in in silico technologies and virtual populations. With a PhD in computational biology, she focuses on modelling for drug development and advocates for in silico medicine and early-career researcher support.

• Stéphane Avril

Stéphane Avril is Professor of Biomechanics at Mines Saint-Étienne and director of SAINBIOSE (Inserm U1059). His research bridges engineering and medicine, with the objective of improving the management of cardiovascular diseases through numerical modeling.

• Simona Celi

Simona Celi is Director of Bioengineering at FTGM and founder of BioCardioLab. Her work focuses on translating and integrating engineering sciences into clinical practice, with a specific focus on cardiovascular applications.

• Luca Bontempi

Luca Bontempi is a PhD candidate at Erasmus MC and TU Delft, specialising in computational modelling and digital twins for cardiovascular applications, particularly stroke treatment. His research integrates biomechanics, imaging, and clinical data to support personalised medicine and improve endovascular therapies.

• Elena Redaelli 

Elena Redaelli is a postdoctoral research fellow at the Instituto de Óptica Daza de Valdés, CSIC, in Madrid. Her research focuses on computational modeling for nonlinear mechanical problems, with a particular emphasis on corneal tissue biomechanics.