We are glad to announce you the IV Workshop on Branching Processes and their Applications to be held from 10th April to 13th April 2018. These meetings are promoted every three years 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.

It is well known that 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 in 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 this workshop is to facilitate the exchange of research ideas in the field of branching processes and related processes, from both theoretical and practical viewpoints. It will consist of a series of invited and contributed talks and posters. Besides the talks and posters there will  be ample of time for informal discussions so that we can meet at leisure and as such a basis for future scientific collaboration will be formed.

We look forward to welcoming you in Badajoz.

With our best regards,

Inés Mª del Puerto
On behalf of the Organizing Committee