About us
Mathematical modelling has transformed our understanding of the dynamics and control of infectious diseases, through concepts such as the reproduction number, herd immunity, and theory of epidemics. In our group, we develop and apply models of infectious disease transmission to better understand the epidemiology of transmissible pathogens, to explore scenarios of future infection dynamics, and to inform the design, implementation, and effectiveness of population health interventions. We are particularly focussed on respiratory pathogens and the impact of immunisation. In terms of methods, we apply a range of mathematical and statistical techniques, including differential equations, computational methods, stochastic processes, and optimisation theory.
We are motivated by seeing insights from our work become tangible policy and practice outcomes. This is reflected by our collaborations with health agencies, contributions to national and global vaccine policy, and membership of peak advisory bodies such as ATAGI and the World Health Organization IVIR-AC.
We welcome expressions of interest from prospective research students or postdoctoral staff.
Our people
Our work
Epidemic analysis and scenario modelling
Dr Alexandra Hogan and Prof James Wood are investigators on the Australian Centre for Epidemic Forecasting and Analytics (ACEFA), led by University of Melbourne, with partners across several Australian institutions. ACEFA is focussed on developing advanced analytic methods and translational research initiatives to embed robust and timely epidemic analysis into public health decision-making.
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Monitoring the long-term effects of COVID-19
Prof Bette Liu is leading the Post-Acute COVID-19 Outcomes Study, a project funded by the MRFF. This study will track Australians who have had COVID-19 to investigate the long-term health effects of the virus and their use of health services. The findings will provide critical insights that will help inform future public health planning and healthcare resource allocation in Australia
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Modelling and surveillance to assist future pandemics
Prof James Wood is leading a NHMRC Partnership Project which in collaboration with health departments from NSW, ACT and Queensland, uses integrated models and surveillance, and insights from the COVID-19 pandemic, to improve our responses to COVID-19, influenza and future pandemic threats.
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Mathematical modelling to inform longer-term policy planning for COVID-19 vaccination in Australia
Dr Alexandra Hogan is leading a NHMRC Investigator Grant which will use advanced mathematical modelling to evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing COVID-19 immunisation programs, including annual boosters and responses to new variants. This research will provide critical insights that will guide equitable and evidence-based vaccine policy in Australia and the broader region.
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School collaborators
Collaborate with us
Are you a student or post-doctoral fellow looking to collaborate? We have projects available related to topics such as:
- Enhanced vaccination strategies for longer-term mitigation of multiple respiratory viruses in the Australian population
- Modelling COVID-19-induced interruptions to transmission of respiratory pathogens
- Approaches to capturing different sources of immunity in models for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Revised models of interventions to inform future pandemic planning
- Integration of novel surveillance data in models of respiratory pathogen control
Please contact james.wood@unsw.edu.au or alexandra.hogan@unsw.edu.au for more information.