Mathematical Ecology, Epidemiology and Biosecurity
The Mathematical Ecology, Epidemiology and Biosecurity (MEEB) group works on interdisciplinary research problems that focus on developing mathematical and statistical models to support real-world decision-making and policy across the biological sciences.
Using applied mathematics, applied statistics and operations research, we bring a decision-science approach to solving problems.
Our primary fields of application are in:
- ecology (species interactions, invasive species management),
- epidemiology (infectious disease modelling and management), and
- biosecurity (modelling border biosecurity interventions and surveillance).
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General Enquiries
For enquiries, please email Dr Chris Baker at cbaker1@unimelb.edu.au .
Meet the academics and graduate researchers involved in the Mathematical Ecology, Epidemiology and Biosecurity research group.
Academic staff and students
Isobel Abell
Dr Evelyn Mannix
Celia Dowling
Simin Lee
Luping Zhang
Past members
Tom Waring
We bring a mathematical and statistical perspective to decision problems in ecology, epidemiology and biosecurity with the aim to support and improve public policy.
We have a range of ongoing projects crossing ecology and epidemiology, which include:
- Vaccine cost-effectiveness through a dynamical systems approach
- Invasive species modelling and control
- Modelling ecological networks of interacting species
- Developing decision-support tools for emerging livestock disease outbreaks
- Simulating and improving biosecurity inspection policies at Australia's international border
- Estimating the impact of novel pests and diseases on Australia's industry and environment
Enhancing Models for Rapid Decision-Support in Emergency Animal Disease Outbreaks (HASTE)
Ongoing
Supporting biosecurity emergency outbreak preparedness, starting with Lumpy Skin Disease.
Epidemiological models can support evidence-based decision-making in animal disease outbreak response. This project will support the real-time integration of models to emergency response decision-making processes in the agriculture sector.
A flexible immunity model-based framework for evaluation of likely impacts of emerging variants & vaccines
Technical Report, The WHO, Feburary 2023
Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), there have been multiple waves of infection and multiple rounds of vaccination rollouts. Both prior infection and vaccination can prevent future infection and reduce severity of outcomes, combining to form hybrid immunity against COVID-19 at the individual and population level. This report provides results from the modelling used to address the issues concerning current vaccines on shifting vaccination priorities with high infection-derived immunity.
Recent work
Other research
See Chris's Google scholar page for recent papers.
Get in contact if you would like to visit or study with us.
PhD enquiries
If you would like to apply for the PhD program, please email me and provide the following, before applying:
- Your CV
- Academic transcript or statement of results
- A statement of your research interests and how they align with ours.
Master of Science
If you wish to join us for a masters degree, please contact me after applying or in your first semester of study. Please provide the following:
- Your CV
- Academic transcript or statement of results
- A statement of your research interests.
Vacation scholarship
If you are applying for a vacation research scholarship, please contact me and provide:
- Your CV
- Academic transcript or statement of results
- Your reasons for applying