Biomedical signals, images and data contain structural and functional information related to the organs, the systems, the processes that generated them. Many features can be extracted, on the other hand, for a more complete view of the underlying mechanisms, proper models are required. Different modelling approaches are available: from detailed physiological description through complex equation systems, to black-box approaches that base on input-output relationships with no direct connection to the physical system.

Using models allow a better generalization of the phenomena under study, nonetheless, starting hypothesis and proper validation are fundamental steps for their correct use and knowledge improvement. The seminar will describe some general concepts and will focus on some examples related to very specific pathophysiological applications.