PhD project: Modelling the impact of extreme events on the emergence of infectious disease variants
Project description
The emergence of new infectious disease problems has already been linked to the global climate crisis, including via the effects of changes in livestock management patterns, due to biodiversity loss and in conditions of extreme weather event. As the combination of climate change and land use change will only get more intense, emerging infectious disease risks will likely become increasingly unpredictable. This context means that the co-evolution of pathogens and systems, under conditions where both are changing at similar speeds, will require new paradigms to facilitate understanding and action.
In this project, the student will develop analytical and simulation models to investigate the impact of long term changes, extreme events and sudden shifts in conditions for pathogen spread and therefore variant emergence.
The student would be expected to have good mathematical and programming skills, commensurate with having completed an undergraduate degree in a strongly quantitative subject area (e.g. physics, mathematics, statistics, engineering or computer science). Students who can demonstrate strong quantitative skills but outside these areas are also encouraged to apply.
While the project is largely theoretical, inspiration for project approaches will likely arise from understanding of the rise of variants of pathogens such as COVID-19, avian influenza in wild birds, seasonal influenza in humans, and PRRSv in pigs.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This project is a collaboration between the School of Physics and Astronomy and the Roslin Institute. Since the latter is managing this project and the application process, you should apply via the application form provided at this site (not via the Physics link below).
Project supervisors
- Professor Rowland Kao (Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh)
- Dr Samantha Lycett (Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh)
- Professor Richard Blythe (School of Physics & Astronomy, University of Edinburgh)
The project supervisors welcome informal enquiries about this project.
Find out more about this research area
The links below summarise our research in the area(s) relevant to this project:
- Find out more about Physics of Living Matter.
- Find out more about Statistical Physics and Complexity.
- Find out more about the Institute for Condensed Matter and Complex Systems.
What next?
- Find out how to apply for our PhD degrees.
- Find out about fees and funding and studentship opportunities.
- View and complete the application form (on the main University website).
- Find out how to contact us for more information.
More PhD projects
- Browse other Physics of Living Matter projects.
- Browse other Statistical Physics and Complexity projects.
- Browse other Institute for Condensed Matter and Complex Systems projects.
- Browse all PhD research opportunities in the School of Physics & Astronomy.
- Browse PhD research opportunities elsewhere in the University of Edinburgh.