Description

The Mila Biology + AI Reading Group delves into research papers that sit at the intersection of biology and artificial intelligence. While our primary focus is on machine learning applications in bioinformatics, we also welcome artificial intelligence-related studies across various biological disciplines, including ecology, evolutionary biology, conservation biology, physiology, and more.

Our group is open to anyone engaged in or interested in tackling problems that bridge these fields. Expertise in both biology and machine learning is advantageous but not mandatory. We strive to create a welcoming environment where members can connect, share insights, and foster meaningful collaborations.

When and How We Meet

Hybrid Meetings: We conduct our sessions both virtually via GoogleMeet/Zoom and in-person at Mila.

Our group convenes biweekly, typically from 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM ET (Montreal time). We kindly ask participants to be punctual and arrive a few minutes early to ensure a timely start.

For specific meeting dates and times, please refer to our published Talks page.

Meeting Format

Option A: Paper Presentation

A group member will present a selected research paper from the literature (approximately 35-45 minutes). This will be followed by an open discussion, allowing attendees to share insights, ask questions, and explore the paper's implications.

Option B: Speaker Presentation

A guest speaker will present their own research work to the group. Presentations are flexible in length, up to a maximum of 50 minutes, and will be followed by a comprehensive discussion. This format provides an opportunity for speakers to showcase their work and receive feedback from peers.

In both cases, the speaker may choose to present in a discussion-style fashion (questions during the presentation) or to save questions for the end. We encourage all attendees to read the assigned paper before the meeting. Both presenters and participants should come prepared with observations, questions, and comments to enrich the discussion and facilitate a deeper understanding of the material.

Who Can Be a Speaker

Master & PhD & Postdoc Students

Master & PhD students & postdoctoral researchers introduce fresh perspectives and emerging research findings. Their contributions often challenge entrenched assumptions, introduce cutting-edge methodologies, and spark forward-thinking discussions.

Academics

Academic members (professors, researchers) draw on extensive expertise and a broad understanding of their field. They excel at contextualizing new insights within established knowledge, identifying strategic opportunities for deeper inquiry, and guiding conversations toward impactful outcomes.

Industry Professionals

Industry professionals offer a grounded, results-oriented viewpoint. Their familiarity with real-world applications, market dynamics, and practical constraints ensures that academic ideas remain connected to tangible goals and broader societal needs.