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Organized Sessions

Session 1A: 10:45-12:15, November 6
Economic-epidemiological modelling of non-pharmaceutical pandemic mitigation

Session organizer: 

Katharina Hauck, Imperial College London, United Kingdom

 

Session introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic has galvanized debates as to how to maintain economic, educational and social activities, whilst restricting the spread of infections during an outbreak and protecting health systems. Until a high level of natural- or vaccine-induced immunity is attained, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are often implemented to keep infections within acceptable levels. Blanket lockdowns of economic activity considered non-essential to daily life, including school closures, stay-at-home orders or border closures, are very effective NPIs in reducing transmissions. However, they are also very costly, and the most vulnerable population groups are often hardest hit. 

 

This has resulted in attempts to ‘fine-tune’ NPIs to render them less damaging, for example by limiting lockdowns over specific time periods, geographical areas, groups of the population, or economic sectors. This has proven difficult because there was little evidence on the adverse economic, educational and social impacts of NPIs. The urgent need to provide evidence to policy makers has led to great advances in models that combine epidemiological and economic modelling since 2020. 

 

This session demonstrates how recent progress in econ-epi modelling can be harnessed to optimize NPIs during future pandemic threats. All four papers of the session are built on the premise that trade-offs between health, economic and other outcomes must be made. Each presenter can contribute a unique perspective, with one study from the UK with a global focus, two studies on Singapore, and one on the Philippines. The session will show up innovative ways to model impacts of pandemics, and generate robust evidence on optimal preparedness and response. It will conclude with a chaired Q&A and panel discussion of the presenters, involving the audience.

 

Presentations:

  1. Elvira P De Lara–Tuprio, Ateneo de Manila University 
  2. Kanchan Parchani, Imperial College London 
  3. Patrick Doohan, Imperial College London 
  4. Wei Hao Kwok, National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore 

Session 2A: 13:30-15:00, November 6
A Global Repository of Epidemiological Parameters

Session organizer:

Ruth McCabe, Imperial College London United Kingdom

 

Session introduction:

Epidemiological analysis and mathematical modelling play critical roles in supporting evidence-based decision-making during outbreaks. These analyses require careful parameterisation to provide robust and reliable outputs. However, the lack of a centralised resource summarising key parameters for different pathogens can delay critical analysis efforts early in an epidemic, often undertaken under immense time pressure. The WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence, through its Collaboratory initiative, coordinates the Global Repository of Epidemiological Parameters (GREP) project, which brings together the community to ensure such information is widely and easily accessible in a standardised way for use by modellers, epidemiologists, decision-makers and the wider public health community. This multi-institution project will provide a live, up-to-date database of epidemiological parameters, starting with information systematically extracted from the literature for 9 WHO priority pathogens. 

 

In this interactive session, we want to introduce this ambitious project, which has great potential to become a widely used and gold-standard resource for epidemic response and grow the community contributing to this effort. 

 

Organizers and contributors: 

  1. Julia Fitzner, World Health Organization Germany
  2. Anne Cori, Imperial College London
  3. Ruth McCabe, Imperial College London
  4. Christian Morgenstern, Imperial College London
  5. Joshua Lambert, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine 
  6. Carmen Tamayo Cuartero, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  7. Elvira de Lara-Tuprio, Ateneo de Manila University
  8. Adam Kucharski, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
  9. Patricia Ndumbi Ngamala, World Health Organization Switzerland

Session 2D: 13:30 – 15:00, November 6
Early Career Researchers’ Sandbox

Session organizer: Early Career Researcher Committee 

  • Angkana Huang, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom 
  • Bimandra Djaafara, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore 
  • Jarawee Sukmanee, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), Thailand 
  • Thinh Ong, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Vietnam 

 

Session introduction: 

Early Career Researchers’ (ECR) Sandbox is a unique space where fresh ideas meet a supportive community. Just like a “sandbox” in the tech world, where new software is tested securely, this session is designed as a safe environment for ECRs to pitch their research ideas, exchange feedback, and engage in meaningful discussions. 

 

Join us for a 90-minute interactive session where 12 presenters will share their research ideas or progress in quick 5-minute presentations. Following the presentations, a dynamic 30-minute discussion will provide the audience with an opportunity to engage directly with the presenters. This is your chance to: 

  • Form collaborations with fellow researchers, potentially leading to joint projects and co-authorship. 
  • Contribute your insights to help refine and advance research ideas. 
  • Expand your network by connecting with like-minded ECRs in various fields. 
  • Share your expertise and receive recognition for your contributions to others’ work. 
  • For senior researchers: Discover bright and talented ECRs who could be valuable additions to your team. 

Whether you’re presenting or participating, the Sandbox is your opportunity to experiment, collaborate, and contribute to the development of groundbreaking research. Let’s explore new possibilities together! 

Session 3A: 15:00-16:30, November 6
Advancements in Epidemiological Disease Modelling for Lower-Middle-Income Countries

Session organizer:

Maria Regina Justina E. Estuar, Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines

 

Session introduction: 

The use of mathematical models and analytical tools for early detection and prevention of outbreak of infectious diseases proved to be quite beneficial in guiding policy and ensuring efficient use of limited resources especially in lower-middle-income countries such as the Philippines and India. The advancements in modelling are applied in the following areas: development of a shareable disease modelling platform, design of a post-pandemic sustainable COVID-19 compartmental model, the use of machine learning to predict COVID-19 severe and critical case, deployment of a probabilistic model for Dengue and development of a disease modelling framework for LMICs for the Philippines. Use of Spatial Bergsma for understanding district level incidences of COVID-19 and use of zero-inflated Negative Binomial-Auto Regressive Moving Average to visualize and understand progression of Dengue are examples of advancements in disease modelling for India.

 

This session presents disease modelling outputs of two groups that represent lower-middle-income countries, namely the Philippines and India. The Ateneo de Manila FASSSTER-REACH project team will discuss:  (1) the development of a new disease surveillance platform and systems migration, (2) understanding multi source surveillance, (3) development of a post-pandemic stable COVID-19 model, (4) development of a deep learning model to predict severe and critical cases, (5) exploration between probabilistic and compartmental modelling for Dengue, and (6) development of a framework for disease modelling in lower middle income countries. The National Disease Modelling Consortium, Mathematics Department, IIT Bombay will present (1) a new measure of spatial association for COVID-19 and a zero inflated GARMA model with applications in Dengue.

 

Presentations: 

  1. Towards a Standardized Disease Modelling and Surveillance Tool for the Philippines, Christian Pulmano, Ateneo de Manila University 
  2. Taking a step towards multi-source surveillance: Integrating routine surveillance analytics with disease modelling results within FASSSTER, Angelica Garcia, Ateneo de Manila University
  3. Towards a stable post-pandemic FASSSTER COVID-19 Model, Timothy Teng, Ateneo de Manila University
  4. Can We Go Deeper? Developing Deep Neural Network Models for COVID-19 Severe and Critical Case Predictions in the Philippines, Jeric Briones, Ateneo de Manila University
  5. Understanding Dengue in the Philippines: Explorations between Spatio-Temporal Probabilistic Model and Compartmental Model, Mark Tolentino, Ateneo de Manila University
  6. A new measure of spatial association: applications to modelling COVID-19 data from an Indian state, Divya Kappara, IIT Bombay
  7. A zero inflated GARMA model with applications on Dengue in India, Rashmi Tiwari, IIT Bombay
  8. Framework for Disease Modelling in Lower Middle-Income Countries: Initiating Capacity Building for Sustaining Disease Modelling Work in the Philippines, Maria Regina Justina Estuar, Ateneo de Manila University

Session 3D: 15:00-16:30, November 6
Networks of infectious disease modelling in LMICs – Lessons learned and next steps

Session organizer:  

Wirichada Pan-ngum, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU), Thailand 

 

Introduction of session  

Mathematical modelling is an emerging area of research in Southeast Asia, and many low- and middle-income (LMIC), underpinned by undergraduate degrees focused on mathematics, physics and biology. Applying this fundamental knowledge and specific skill set to infectious disease modelling can be challenging when having to figure out the connections between science, model usage, and decision making. Filling the gaps of knowledge in diseases, clinical, and healthcare aspects of a specific context can result in a model which is useful and translational. Having options of networks and supportive communities for new graduates and early-career researchers to learn and to share their experiences working in this area helps to accelerate the learning process of young modellers. Modelling networks can create benefits across all career levels and enhance the multidisciplinary working environment for all.  

  

Several groups of modellers have initiated networks with specific aims and objectives. In this session, we invite several leaders of modelling networks in the region and in other LMICs to share their experiences of initiation, development and maintenance of a network. Making networks sustainable while fulfilling their vision and mission is not straightforward and it is critical to understand what members hope to achieve through their participation. Maintaining activities, relationships, expansion and financial support are challenging. Although each of these networks is independent and vary in size and character, we invite the network leaders to share their future plans for cross-network collaboration.   

 

List of contributors

  1. Wirichada Pan-ngum, Mahidol-Oxford Research Unit, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand – Representative of CoMo consortium
  2. Alex Cook, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, NUS – Leader of Modelling Infectious diseases in South East Asia (MIDSEA)
  3. Jodie McVernon, Doherty Epidemiology, University of Melbourne – Leader of PRISM/SPECTRUM/SPARK/SPARKLE
  4. Zulma M. Cucunuba, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia – co-leads the Epiverse TRACE-LAC initiative
  5. Saudamini Vishwanath Dabak, HITAP’s International Unit (HIU) – representative of HTAsiaLink Network
  6. Michael Lydeamore, Department of Econometrics and Business Statistics at Monash University – SPECTRUM & SPARK EMCR Network
  7. Eamon Conway, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) – SPECTRUM & SPARK EMCR Network
  8. Juan Pablo Villanueva Cabezas, Doherty Epidemiology, University of Melbourne – SPECTRUM & SPARK EMCR Network
  9. Trish Campbell, Doherty Epidemiology, University of Melbourne – SPECTRUM & SPARK EMCR Network

  

Proposed format: 

For a 90-minute session, we propose 60 minutes of a series of introductory talks by the leader/representative of different modelling networks (10 to 12 minutes per talk), followed by 20 minutes for group discussion and 10 minutes for Q&A. The presentations will focus on various aspects of setting and running a network, the aims and objectives and      how their network fits the modelling communities. The discussion at the end will further address issues raised during the talks, explore potential challenges. The session provides opportunities for young researchers to know and hopefully join at least a network. This will help young researchers set the stage for mentorship and some future collaboration.  

  

The proposed agenda for the session is as follows:
  1. Title: Modelling Infectious Diseases in SouthEast Asia (MIDSEA)
  2. Abstract:
    The MIDSEA Network was established in 2022 to be a platform that would allow modellers from around Southeast Asia to share best practices, keep abreast of the latest developments in the field, and share opportunities with others in the region. The network has members from around ASEAN, and beyond, and has organised seminars, a workshop, a policy dialogue, and most recently a summer school. In this talk I'll discuss what we've done and provide some thoughts on what worked well, as well as some of the challenges we've encountered.

    Authors and institutions: Alex Cook, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, NUS
    Preferred length of talk: 10 mins


  3. Title: Modelling for policy in Australia and the Asia-Pacific Region
  4. Abstract:
    The PRISM modelling network was established in 2015 as a Centre of Excellence to promote collaboration and development of methods and capacity to increase the usefulness and uptake of models for infectious disease policy making...

    Authors and institutions: Jodie McVernon, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection & Immunity, AUS
    Preferred length of talk: 10 mins


  5. Title: Epiverse TRACE-LAC initiative
  6. Abstract:
    The Epiverse community is an inclusive and interdisciplinary global network of epidemiologists, methodologists, mathematical modelers, and software developers at all skill levels...

    Authors and institutions: Zulma M. Cucunuba, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia
    Preferred length of talk: 10 mins


  7. Title: HTAsiaLink
  8. Abstract:
    HTAsiaLink is a collaborative research network for Health Technology Assessment (HTA) agencies in the Asia-Pacific region, established in September 2010...

    Authors and institutions: Saudamini Vishwanath Dabak, HITAP's International Unit (HIU)
    Preferred length of talk: 10 mins


  9. Title: CoMo consortium
  10. Abstract:
    Formerly known as the COVID-19 International Modelling Consortium, the International Modelling Consortium (CoMo) was created by researchers at the University of Oxford and Cornell University...

    Authors and institutions: Wirichada Pan-ngum
    Preferred length of talk: 10 mins

Session 4D: 10:45 – 12:15, November 7
Early Career Researchers’ Career Paths

Session organizer: Early Career Researcher Committee 

  • Angkana Huang, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom 
  • Bimandra Djaafara, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore 
  • Jarawee Sukmanee, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), Thailand 
  • Thinh Ong, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Vietnam 

 

Session introduction: 

Are you wondering where a career in infectious disease modelling could lead you? This session is a rare opportunity – unlike most career events that feature a broad range of fields, the Early Career Researchers’ Career Paths session is dedicated entirely to infectious disease modellers. 

 

Whether you’re curious about different paths, considering a change, or just exploring whether the grass is greener on the other side, this session is designed just for you. You’ll gain invaluable insights from modellers who have navigated diverse career paths across sectors like academia, industry, government, and NGOs. Discover what a typical day looks like in different roles, and understand why they chose to stay or switch tracks. This is your opportunity to see firsthand the benefits and challenges of different sectors and decide what might be the best fit for your future. 

 

Our panellists will also share practical advice on how to break into various sectors, highlight the skills that are universally valuable, and debunk common myths about working in different environments. You’ll get to hear how they apply their modelling skills in their current roles and learn how to strike a balance between work and life across different career paths. 

 

The session will conclude with an interactive panel discussion and an audience Q&A, where you can ask the questions that matter most to you. Whether you’re looking to stay on your current path or considering a leap into something new, this session will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about your career. 

 

And don’t miss the chance to network during the post-session coffee break – connect with our panellists and fellow attendees to explore potential opportunities and collaborations. Join us to gain the insights and inspiration you need to navigate your career in infectious disease modelling! 

 

Presentations and panel discussion: 

  • Industry: Jiraboon Tosanguan (TBC, Industry) 
  • Government: Rachael Pung (Singapore MOH), Suphanat Wongsanuphat (Thai Department of Disease Control) 
  • NGO/Philanthropy: Arminder Deol (CEPI) 
  • Funders: Katherine Davis (Wellcome) 
  • Academia: Zulma Cucunuba (Pontificia Universidad Javeriana) 

Session 5A: 13:30-15:00, November 7
Insights on hidden dengue dynamics from routine surveillance data

Session organizers:  

Hannah Clapham, National University of Singapore   

 

Session introduction: 

This session will discuss new applications of catalytic models with routine age-specific dengue surveillance data to infer important epidemiological features of dengue virus transmission that are not routinely observable such as the dynamics of infection risk and seroprevalence. Catalytic models have existed for decades but are underutilized for assessing risk and planning interventions. In this session, we will introduce the concepts behind this analytical approach and present example applications in Singapore, Thailand, and globally. In Singapore, a catalytic model was developed to infer time-varying infection risk and cross-reactivity between serotypes combining age-specific serosurvey and surveillance data. In Thailand, catalytic models with routine surveillance data gave comparable risk estimates to cross-sectional and longitudinal serology studies. Analyses yielded insights into infection risk structure in the population, drivers of infection risk over time, and varying clinical burden across ages. Catalytic model estimates of transmission intensity also form the backbone for global risk assessments, comparing burden across locations, inferring correlates of risk, estimating global burden, and assessing the potential effectiveness of large-scale interventions (e.g., dengue vaccines or Wolbachia). We will end the session with a discussion of limitations of these approaches (e.g., for areas with new introductions, high levels of migration, and other drivers of age-specific transmission and reporting patterns) and their potential to address other challenges such as linking serotype-specific immunity to infection and epidemic risk, improving epidemiological study design, and informing dengue control strategies. 

 

Presentations and discussions: 

  1. Angkana T. Huang, Reconciling heterogeneous dengue virus infection risk estimates from different study designs and the extended insights, University of Cambridge 
  2. Clare McCormack, Refining Estimates of the Global Burden of Dengue, Imperial College 
  3. Chen Yining, Resolving historical dengue transmission dynamics and seroprevalence, National University of Singapore 
  4. Henrik Salje, University of Cambridge 
  5. Hannah Clapham, National University of Singapore
  6. Michael Johansson, Northeastern University [contributors]

Session 6A: 15:00-16:30, November 7
Global perspectives on social contact patterns

Session organizers:  

Ellen Brooks-Pollock & Leon Danon, University of Bristol, United Kingdom 

Session introduction: 

Social contact pattern data have become integral to modern epidemic transmission modelling. These data, detailing who-is-in-contact-with-whom, have proven reliable in capturing the transmission dynamics of close contact infectious diseases.  

The first Europe-wide social contact surveys, conducted using diaries in 2005/6, revealed strong age-assortative patterns in social interactions and familial intergenerational contacts. These age disaggregated social contact patterns were used to characterise age risk and continue to define age-structured models, serving as a baseline for current social contact patterns. Other methods for capturing social contact data have included online surveys, digital tools, wearable proximity sensors, and constructing age-specific mixing matrices from census and demographic data.  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, social contact surveys served as an initial indicator of transmission changes and were crucial in defining transmission models used for scenario modelling, social distancing policies, and vaccine rollout strategies.  

Social contact data were initially collected mostly in high-income countries, particularly Europe. Increasingly, such data are being collected in Lower and Middle Income Countries (LMICs), which have shown differences in intergenerational mixing and contact density compared with high-income settings. Little is known about the implications of these differences with regard to infectious disease transmission. 

In this session, we will compare and critically evaluate approaches to collecting social contact data in different settings. We will discuss recent developments in the field, share best practices and methodological approaches to using social contact data, and explore challenges and future goals for social contact surveys and disease modelling.  

The Padlet https://padlet.com/eb15081/IDMContactPatterns is set up for comments, questions, and discussion.

Agenda

Time Title Presenting authors
0-5 mins Welcome and introduction  Ellen Brooks-Pollock and Leon Danon, University of Bristol, UK. 
5-15 mins Longitudinal online contact survey of the Hong Kong population during the COVID-19 pandemic   Vivian In Wei, JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, CUHK, Hong Kong.  
17-27 mins Exploring social contact patterns in Fiji: Insights from a cross-sectional survey  Eleanor FG Neal, New Vaccines, Infection and Immunity, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Australia and Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.  
29-39 mins Addressing the issue of survey fatigue in longitudinal social contact surveys  Shozen Dan, Department of Mathematics, Imperial College London.  
41-51 mins Modelling individual-level contact heterogeneity, and its applications to the evolution of near scale-free social contact dynamics, the re-emergence of giant components, and pandemic preparedness  Zhi Ling, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore.  
53-63 mins Mining social contact patterns from longitudinal cohort studies: using the Avon Longitudinal Survey of Parents and Children as an example.   Ellen Brooks-Pollock and Leon Danon, University of Bristol, UK.  
65-75 mins Social contact patterns and implications for infectious disease transmission – a systematic review and meta-analysis of contact surveys  Andria Mousa and Charles Whittaker, MRC Centre for Global Infectious Disease Analysis, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.  
75 – 90 mins Review of Padlet. Group discussion “What are the challenges and opportunities in using social contact data for infectious disease modelling?”  

Session 7A: 10:15-11:45, November 8
Vaccine impact modelling to inform immunisation policy

Session organizers: 

Kaja Abbas, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, UK and Nagasaki University, Japan, and So Yoon Sim, World Health Organization, Switzerland

 

Session introduction:

Vaccine decision-making by immunisation technical advisory groups at the global, regional, and national levels considers multiple evidence criteria, including disease burden, model-based estimates of the health impact of vaccination, economic impact, equity, stakeholders’ acceptance, vaccine confidence among the target population, and feasibility. This session will review the vaccine decision-making landscape in China, Japan, Tunisia, and low- and middle-income countries, and highlight the role of infectious disease modelling in informing vaccine policy decisions with specific case studies. The case studies will focus on: (i) evidence, benefits, and priorities of adding new childhood vaccines into the National Immunization Programme of

China; (ii) introduction of HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine into the routine immunisation programme of Japan; (iii) introduction of HPV vaccines into the routine immunisation programme for 12-year-old girls along with cervical cancer screening for women starting at 38 years of age in Tunisia; and (iv) impact modelling of cholera and typhoid vaccination in low- and middle-income countries to inform resource allocation strategies. We will discuss similarities and differences in the vaccine decision-making process and explore further opportunities for vaccine impact modelling to inform policy in different settings.

 

Presentations:

  1. Xiaozhen Lai, Peking University
  2. Noriko Kitamura, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan
  3. Slimane ben Miled, Institut Pasteur de Tunis
  4. Jong-Hoon Kim, International Vaccine Institute

Session 7D: 10:15 – 11:45, November 8
Early Career Researchers’ Network of Networks

Session organizer: Early Career Researcher Committee 

  • Angkana Huang, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom 
  • Bimandra Djaafara, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore 
  • Jarawee Sukmanee, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), Thailand 
  • Thinh Ong, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), Vietnam 

Session introduction: 

Being a member of a network comes with numerous benefits, such as access to exclusive learning resources, mentorship opportunities, and a supportive community that can help you navigate your career. Networks offer platforms for collaboration, opening doors to joint research projects, and even funding opportunities. Networks aren’t just for institutional-level or senior researchers – Early Career Researchers (ECRs) have our own vibrant networks too. ECR networks provide a space to share knowledge, gain insights from peers, stay updated on the latest developments, and foster cross-disciplinary collaborations. They also offer a platform to voice your needs and concerns. 

 

Join us for an interactive session where we will explore the efforts of representative ECR networks across the Global South, share success stories and challenges, and gather your perspectives to influence the broader conference discussions. In this session, you will: 

  • Learn about 5 ECR regional networks, meet the representatives, how to join, what benefits they offer, and how to make the most of them. 
  • Voice your needs and ideas to build an ideal network and discuss ways to improve or “reform” networks. 
  • Contribute to the creation of a “Network of Networks.” 

The opinions you share in this session will be documented anonymously and shared with the main conference panel and senior networks to ensure our needs are communicated and supported in the future. Plus, stick around for the post-session coffee break to network with our panelists and fellow attendees. Let’s build something great together! 

 

Presentations and panel discussion: 

  • South Asia: Saket Choudhary, Yashi Raj 
  • Oceania (SPARK): Eamon Conway, Michael Lydeamore 
  • Africa: Rachel Hounsell, Jared Norman 
  • East Asia: Vivian Leung 
  • Southeast Asia (MIDSEA, host) 

Session 9A: 14:30-16:00, November 8
Next generation contact tracing

Session organizer: 

Jeremy Chan, Programme for Research in Epidemic Preparedness and Response (PREPARE), Singapore

Moderators:

Alex R. Cook, National University of Singapore (NUS), Singapore

Kiesha Prem, NUS Singapore

Session introduction:

Contact tracing has been shown to be an effective strategy in containing the spread of COVID-19, and during the pandemic, it has seen an advancement from manual to digital contact tracing within a short span of time. However, the potential and limitations of both contact-tracing data analytics and digital contact tracing are still unclear.

The session will look at examples of advanced applications of contact tracing data and how they will help to inform potential future strategies, improve analysis, and evaluate the effectiveness of manual and digital contact tracing. Overall, the session aims to explore some of the potential and limitations behind contact tracing as it is now and open the discussion on how we should improve contact tracing for future pandemic preparedness. 

Presentations and discussions: 

  1. Jeremy Chan from the Programme for Research in Epidemic Preparedness and Response, PREPARE, will share some of the challenges faced when analyzing contact tracing data, and explore some of the uses of contact tracing data in improving analysis, such as observations of vaccine effectiveness. 
  2. Joanna Tan from the National University of Singapore, Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, will present on the use of contact tracing data to generate transmission network models to evaluate the effectiveness of different contact tracing methods, and what the implication of these findings has on the development of future contact tracing policies for future pandemic preparedness.
  3. Luca Ferretti from the Pandemic Sciences Institute of the University of Oxford will end the session by presenting evidence for epidemiological effectiveness of digital contact tracing apps, with special focus on England and Wales, and illustrating the novel opportunities offered by digital contact tracing towards precision epidemiology and high-resolution epidemic modelling.
  4. We will conclude the session with a short panel with the speakers to discuss how some of these lessons and methods could improve the response to future epidemics.