Keynote Speech Title: The future of infectious disease modelling and the Lancet Commission on Strengthening the Use of Epidemiological Modelling of Emerging and Pandemic Infectious Diseases
Abstract: Mathematical models of infectious disease epidemiology have evolved dramatically, often in response to global crises like pandemics. Their visibility (and scrutiny) reached new heights during the COVID-19 pandemic, sparking widespread debate about how such models are developed, interpreted, and communicated. Recent technological and sociopolitical developments such as advances in AI/ML and the rise of emerging and climate-sensitive diseases also urgently changes in the field. In response to these challenges, the Lancet Commission on Strengthening the Use of Epidemiological Modelling of Emerging and Pandemic Infectious Diseases was launched in 2023 to explore the policy, technical, and communication issues surrounding infectious disease modeling. In this talk, I will discuss the work and recommendations of the Commission in response to many of the recent developments in the field.
Bio: Mark Jit is professor and inaugural chair of the Department of Global and Environmental Health at New York University. He also holds honorary professorships at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, the University of Hong Kong and the National University of Singapore. He previously worked at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (where he was chair of the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Dynamics), the Health Protection Agency (now the UK Health Security Agency), University of Birmingham and University College London. He has a BSc and PhD in Mathematics from University College London, and a Master of Public Health from King’s College London. His research focuses on epidemiological and economic modelling of vaccines to support evidence-based public health decision making. This work has influenced many of the major changes to immunization policy around the world. He also organizes or contributes to academic and professional courses on vaccine modelling, economics and decision science around the world.