Outbreaks: Predicting the Unpredictable

The human and economic costs of infectious disease outbreaks are almost incalculable. At BU’s Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases (CEID), two researchers are playing a key role in a global initiative focused on detecting and preparing for future outbreaks.

The initiative, Epistorm: Center for Advanced Epidemic Analytics and Predictive Modeling Technology, is a multi-institution collaboration funded by a $17.5 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Laura White, professor of biostatistics, and Kayoko Shioda, assistant professor of global health, who head the data science and surveillance research core at CEID, are the lead collaborators from BU, which will receive $1.9 million from the award.

“This CDC initiative is an exciting and important step in preparing for pandemic threats.”

—LAURA WHITE

Using wastewater surveillance, artificial intelligence, and other tools, these researchers are developing predictive models that gather data on outbreaks before they occur. This will allow hospitals and other community services to prepare and can help inform decision-making and policy during health emergencies. In particular, the research will emphasize disease development and spread in rural communities.

“This CDC initiative is an exciting and important step in preparing for pandemic threats,” White says. “I am pleased to be a part of such an innovative and diverse team of scientists from across the country.” Shioda concurs, calling the project “a vital initiative dedicated to enhancing outbreak response capabilities in the US.”