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Working groups
Aimée Altermatt Rachel Sacks-Davis Nick Scott
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Modelling and Biostatistics

Modelling is critical for translating data into decision-making evidence. Our modelling guides effective and cost-effective responses to infectious diseases and global health problems.

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About

Our dynamic, interdisciplinary team uses modelling to guide practical, cost-effective responses to infectious diseases and global health problems. We’re at the forefront of modelling across areas including:

  • COVID-19 and pandemic preparedness
  • hepatitis C
  • hepatitis B
  • HIV
  • tuberculosis
  • malaria
  • nutrition
  • maternal, newborn and child health
  • adolescent health
  • vaccines, health systems and service delivery platforms.

Our methodological approaches are adapted to the data available and key policy questions being addressed, and include a variety of:

  • deterministic and stochastic models
  • population-level and agent-based models
  • compartmental and network models
  • costing studies
  • cost-effectiveness analyses
  • cost-benefit and return on investment analyses
  • resource optimisation analyses
  • analyses of large datasets using statistical and machine learning approaches.
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Listen now

Learn more about our modelling work in the How Science Matters podcast. 

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Current projects

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Optima HIV modelling

Optima HIV modelling

Optima HIV is an open source mathematical modelling tool to help countries respond effectively to HIV.

Optima Tuberculosis modelling

Optima Tuberculosis modelling

Optima Tuberculosis is an open-source model to aid the fight against TB. It combines epidemiological and economic algorithms to find the best ways to optimise resources and reduce disease.

Using mathematical models to generate evidence to support Australia’s COVID-19 responses and prepare for future pandemics

Using mathematical models to generate evidence to support Australia’s COVID-19 responses and prepare for future pandemics

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that effective public health responses save lives and reduce socio-economic damage. Modelling has played a critical role in public health decision-making by quantifying the risks and benefits of different policy responses. Burnet Health Modeller Dominic Delport's PhD will utilise mathematical modelling to generate evidence to support public health decision-making during outbreaks and prepare for future pandemics.

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Past projects

The Optimise Study: Optimising Isolation, Quarantine and Distancing for COVID-19

The Optimise Study: Optimising Isolation, Quarantine and Distancing for COVID-19

This project aims to find out how Victorians are experiencing COVID-19 and responding to the measures introduced to stop the spread of the virus.

Transparent risk assessment of COVID-19 quarantine (traQ study)

Transparent risk assessment of COVID-19 quarantine (traQ study)

This study uses a mathematical model to examine the circumstances in which quarantine for COVID-19 could be reduced from 14 days without substantially increasing the risk of virus transmission.

News and features

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Life-saving impact of global vaccine stockpiles

Life-saving impact of global vaccine stockpiles

New Burnet research highlights the critical role of global vaccine stockpiles in preventing widespread outbreaks of deadly diseases.

Prison needle programs could save double what they cost – our new modelling shows how

Prison needle programs could save double what they cost – our new modelling shows how

Prison needle programs could save millions

Prison needle programs could save millions

Burnet research shows how prison needle and syringe programs could save treatment costs for hepatitis C and injection-related infections.

Foreign aid cuts could mean 10 million more HIV infections by 2030 – and almost 3 million extra deaths

Foreign aid cuts could mean 10 million more HIV infections by 2030 – and almost 3 million extra deaths

NHMRC Investigator Grants

NHMRC Investigator Grants

Burnet researchers Joshua Vogel and Nick Scott have received funding for projects relating to pre-eclampsia prevention and hepatitis C and HIV elimination.

Lady Potter, Burnet Emerging Leader Fellowships

Lady Potter, Burnet Emerging Leader Fellowships

Simple measures lessen hospital acquired COVID-19 infections

Simple measures lessen hospital acquired COVID-19 infections

Improved maternal health outcomes in Burnet modelling for Gates Foundation

Improved maternal health outcomes in Burnet modelling for Gates Foundation

Why Victoria’s public health restrictions weren’t in vain

Why Victoria’s public health restrictions weren’t in vain

Associate Professor Suman Majumdar appointed to new role of Chief Health Officer – COVID-19 and Health Emergencies at Burnet Institute

Associate Professor Suman Majumdar appointed to new role of Chief Health Officer – COVID-19 and Health Emergencies at Burnet Institute

Associate Professor Suman Majumdar has been appointed to the new role of Burnet Chief Health Officer – COVID-19 and Health Emergencies.

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Resources

  • Optima model website

    Home to the Optima HIV, TB, Nutrition and malaria models and background documents.

Group contacts

Associate Professor Nick Scott

Associate Professor Nick Scott

Head, Modelling and Biostatistics
nick.scott@burnet.edu.au +61385062410
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Group members

Associate Professor Nick Scott

Associate Professor Nick Scott

Head, Modelling and Biostatistics
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Dr Rachel Sacks-Davis

Dr Rachel Sacks-Davis

Senior Research Fellow
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Aimée Altermatt

Aimée Altermatt

Research Assistant
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Alexander Thomas

Alexander Thomas

PhD Candidate
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Anna Roberts

Anna Roberts

Senior Project Manager
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Dr Chris Seaman

Dr Chris Seaman

Research Officer
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Dr Debra ten Brink

Dr Debra ten Brink

Senior Research Officer
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Dominic Delport

Dominic Delport

Health modeller
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Dr Farah Houdroge

Dr Farah Houdroge

Research Officer
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Fenella McAndrew

Fenella McAndrew

Mathematical Modeller
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Kelvin Burke

Kelvin Burke

Mathematical Modeller
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Nisa Wulan

Nisa Wulan

Health Modeller
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Phillip Luong

Phillip Luong

Mathematical Modeller
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Dr Romesh Abeysuriya

Dr Romesh Abeysuriya

Senior Research Officer
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Dr Rowan Martin-Hughes

Dr Rowan Martin-Hughes

Senior Research Officer
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Dr Sherrie Kelly

Dr Sherrie Kelly

Honorary Staff
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Dr Tharindu Wickramaarachchi

Dr Tharindu Wickramaarachchi

Mathematical Modeller
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Thomas Walsh

Thomas Walsh

Health Modeller
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Alina Muellenmeister

Alina Muellenmeister

Mathematical Modeller
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Dr Damian Pavlyshyn

Dr Damian Pavlyshyn

Postdoctoral Research Officer
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Dr Anna Wilkinson

Dr Anna Wilkinson

Senior Research Fellow
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Tim Spelman

Tim Spelman

Biostatistician
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Eloisa Perez-Bennetts

Eloisa Perez-Bennetts

Mathematical Modeller
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Dr Thi Nguyen

Dr Thi Nguyen

Data Scientist
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Dr Amanda Roxburgh

Dr Amanda Roxburgh

Senior Research Fellow
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Dr Katie Heath

Dr Katie Heath

Senior Research Officer
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Dr Anna Palmer

Dr Anna Palmer

Environmental Epidemiologist
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