JUNIPER Consortium Research Meeting May 2021

JUNIPER consortium second research meeting took place on 17th May 2021 virtually via the Isaac Newton Institute (INI). Following on from the successful launch meeting in February 2021, this half day research meeting provided an update on the COVID-19 modelling work being undertaken across the different institutions within the consortium. Speakers also highlighted key research areas of immediate priority to support the scientific advice on the UK government's pandemic response. 

Research talks covered a wide range of topics including: incorporating economics into epidemiology models for COVID-19, the uses of contact survey data during the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges in short term projections of COVID-19 to support UK control strategy. There was also a talk by early career researchers, Dr Rob Challen and Dr Ed Hill, on work done over the past month on understanding trends and potential impacts of new variants, including B1.617.2 (also known as the Indian variant). Recordings on the talks are available on the INI website.

A key goal of the consortium is to be outward-facing and inclusive. This was the second in a series of JUNIPER research meetings over the coming year with the aim of engaging with the wider epidemiological and mathematical research communities. If you would like to find out about future research meetings and seminars please sign up to receive our newsletter or check INI website for event details.