Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics
The Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics works to improve methods for infectious disease modeling and statistical analysis, quantify disease and intervention impact, engage with policymakers to enhance decision-making, and train the next generation of scientists.
677 Huntington Avenue
Kresge Building, Suite 506
Boston, MA 02115
13th Annual Workshop to Increase Diversity in Mathematical Modeling and Public Health
DATE: March 3-4, 2025
VENUE: The Inn at Longwood Medical
342 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
APPLICATION DEADLINE: The 2025 Workshop application is now closed.
Photo: Workshop participants, 2024
Overview
The Workshop to Increase Diversity in Mathematical Modeling and Public Health is an annual event for undergraduates or students in a post baccalaureate program from underrepresented groups who have an interest in public health and/or mathematical modeling, and are studying quantitative disciplines and/or public health at their home institutions. The workshop is organized the Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics (CCDD) at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Infectious disease modeling is an exciting field whose practitioners study the mechanisms by which diseases spread, to predict future outbreaks, track current outbreaks, and evaluate methods to control an epidemic. CCDD members have used infectious disease modeling successfully during the COVID-19 pandemic, including predicting the trajectory of the disease and communicating findings to policymakers and the public about strategies to slow disease spread, and illustrating how inequities result in increased risk and severity of disease, and strategies for promoting health equity across a population. Hear from some of the top experts in the field and their experiences during the pandemic!
During the workshop students get a brief introduction to the existing possibilities in mathematical modeling. Sessions will include introductions to computational tools, and scientific talks from public health researchers and trainees who use infectious disease epidemiology and mathematical modeling to solve problems in public health. They will also engage in professional development and networking opportunities, and participate in hands-on activities to practice the concepts and skills they are learning, including activities using the R programming language.
How to Apply
The 2025 Workshop application is now closed.
Students must apply and be accepted to the workshop to participate. Accepted students receive free workshop admission. We also offer travel scholarships that cover transportation (airfare, train or bus fare to Boston) and hotel costs. More details will be provided to accepted students.
This workshop exists to increase diversity in the fields of mathematical modeling and public health. View eligibility criteria here.
Organizers
The Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics (CCDD) at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is focused on improving methods for mathematical modeling and statistical inference on infectious disease data, engagement with policy makers to use the results of transmission dynamic studies to improve decisions, and outreach to multiple constituencies to provide education about communicable disease dynamics, tools for their analysis, and opportunities for interaction with scientists in the field.
The MIDAS (Modeling of Infectious Disease Agent Study) Network is a collaboration of researchers who develop computational models of the interactions between infectious agents and their hosts, disease spread, prediction systems and response strategies. The tools and methods developed by the modelers can be useful to a variety of stakeholders who want to better understand emerging infectious diseases.
Questions?
Caroline Thomas
Abby Campbell Wong
This workshop wishes to acknowledge support of NIGMS grant U24GM132013 from the MIDAS Coordination Center at the University of Pittsburgh.