Hybrid course: GLMMs and GAMMs with R – Townsville

Dear colleagues,

We?re happy to announce an upcoming hybrid course:

Introduction to GLMMs and GAMMs with R. - With applications to spatial, 
temporal, and spatial-temporal data-
2?6 March 2026, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia (or join 
online via Zoom)

This is a hands-on, applied course designed for people who want to use 
GLMMs and GAMMs in practice, rather than get lost in theory or heavy 
maths. The aim is to help you understand what these models are doing, 
how to fit them in R, and how to interpret and visualise the results.

We start with a short refresher on multiple linear regression and 
generalised linear models, then move on to generalised additive models 
(GAMs) ? a flexible and intuitive way to deal with non-linear 
relationships. From there, we introduce mixed-effects models for grouped 
or repeated-measures data, and finally bring everything together in 
generalised additive mixed models (GAMMs).

In the final part of the course, we apply these models to spatial, 
temporal, and spatial-temporal data, using realistic examples with 
different types of response variables, including continuous and count data.

Across five modules, we cover:

* How GAMs work, including model selection and smoother interactions
* Linear mixed-effects models and Gaussian additive mixed models
* Hierarchical GAMs (the GAM equivalent of random-slope models)
* Poisson and negative binomial GLMMs and GAMMs
* Applications to spatial and spatial-temporal data
* Guidance on analysing binary, proportional, and continuous data (time 
allowing)

All analyses are done in R, mainly using the mgcv and glmmTMB packages.

Each module includes practical exercises with real data and fully 
annotated R scripts. Before the course starts, you?ll also get access to 
preparatory materials (short videos and exercises) covering linear 
regression, Poisson GLMs, DHARMa model validation, and variograms. PDF 
copies of all theory slides are provided as well.

As part of the course, we also include a free 1-hour one-to-one video 
meeting, where you can discuss your own data or analysis questions with 
one or both instructors.

Venue: James Cook University, Townsville Campus, Australia (hybrid format)
Dates & times: 2?6 March 2026, 09.00?16.00 (local time)
Price: ?500
Instructors: Dr. Alain Zuur and Dr. Elena Ieno

Flyer and registration: https://www.highstat.com/


Please feel free to share this with colleagues who might find it useful.

Kind regards,
Alain Zuur
Highland Statistics Ltd.