Lecture #2: COVID-19 in the UK: Data, Models, Projections and Policy

Register here: https://yorku.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIlce2srDMqEtCoyaUUo1LuQcoxRSFt84JY

Speaker: Dr. Matt Keeling, Professor in the Mathematics Institute and the School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick (UK)

Date and time: June 1, 2022 @11:00-12:15 (EDT)

Abstract: The SARS-CoV-2 virus has highlighted our vulnerability to zoonotic infections, and has important lessons in terms of a One Health approach. In this talk, I’ll focus on how the pandemic has developed in the UK over the past two years. In particular, I will concentrate on the link between data and models, and how this has enabled a continual refinement of projections as more epidemiological knowledge is integrated into the modelling frameworks. I’ll start with the modelling response to the first wave, when very little was known about the virus; I’ll discuss the implications of vaccination and the relaxation of control measures; ending with the Omicron variant and the potential risk of future variants. In each case the models and projections are driven by new data and new policy questions. I’ll conclude with thoughts about what we could have done better and lessons for the next pandemic.

Bi0: Dr. Keeling is a Professor in the Mathematics Institute and the School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick, Director of Zeeman Institute (SBIDER), and Deputy Director of Mathematics for Real-World Systems Centre for Doctoral Training. Keeling’s focus is on the three E’s: Epidemiology, Evolution and Ecology. He is particularly interested in how spatial structure, heterogeneities, and stochasticity affect emergent population-level dynamics. Keeling’s other interests include optimal control of infection, cost-effective vaccination, policy-relevant prediction, vector-host dynamics, within-host immunological dynamics, disease evolution in response to control, climate, and population change

Language of talk: English

Moderator: Dr. Mark Lewis, Senior CRC in Mathematical Biology, Professor in the Departments of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences and Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta and Co-Director of OMNI-RÉUNIS

Registration: https://yorku.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIlce2srDMqEtCoyaUUo1LuQcoxRSFt84JY