The theory of branching processes was essentially motivated by the observation of the strange phenomenon of the extinction of certain family lines of the European aristocracy versus rapid exponential growth of the whole population. Since then, branching processes have been regarded as appropriate probability models for the description of the behaviour of systems whose components (cells, particles, individuals in general) reproduce, are transformed, or die. This theory has developed from simple models to increasing realism. Added to the theoretical interest on these processes there was therefore a major practical dimension due to their potential applications in such diverse fields as Biology, Epidemiology, Genetics, Medicine, Nuclear Physics, Demography, Actuarial Mathematics, Algorithm and Data Structures, etc. Nowadays, this theory goes on being an area of active and interesting research.

The aim of these workshops is to facilitate the exchange of research ideas in the field of branching processes and their applications and related processes. They consist of a series of invited talks. Besides the talks there is ample of time for informal discussions so that we can meet at leisure and as such a basis for future scientific collaboration can be formed.

These workshops are promoted by the research group on branching processes belonging to the Department of Mathematics at University of Extremadura in Spain. This group started its path in 1991. Its members are Manuel Molina, Miguel González, Manuel Mota, Alfonso Ramos, Inés Mª del Puerto, Rodrigo Martínez, Cristina Gutiérrez and Carmen Minuesa.  Their main contributions focus on the class of the bisexual branching models, controlled branching processes, and multitype branching processes, from both theoretical and practical viewpoints.

Department of Mathematics.
Faculty of Sciences.
University of Extremadura.
06006-Badajoz. Spain.