BlogPost #035

(#35) Abbas K. Rizi - 16th May, 2024
Aalto University (Finland)

Talk recording (YouTube)

RESEARCH TALK
Network Interplay: Competing Effects on Herd Immunity

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed gaps in our understanding of epidemic dynamics and the shortcomings of traditional models in real-world scenarios, particularly in comprehending herd immunity. This presentation will focus on how the structure of contact networks affects disease spread and intervention effectiveness. I will highlight the impact of pharmaceutical interventions like vaccination and non-pharmaceutical measures such as contact tracing on epidemic trajectories, considering factors like behavior-based homophily, group structures, spatial characteristics, and heterogeneities of contact networks. I will specifically discuss how herd immunity is influenced by the contact patterns between people in a non-trivial way. 



DISCUSSION
Science communication in Network Science

Abstract: I’m a Network Epidemiologist who moonlights as a science writer for the public. I mainly contribute to science communication as the editor-in-chief of sitpor.org (FA). In this part of my talk, using my experiences, I will reflect on the situation of science communication in the network science community. I’ll discuss the opportunities and materials severely lacking at all levels such as the educational material for grad students and laypeople. 

How do we communicate Network Science to the public ? We talked about it with Abbas K. Rizi from Aalto University (Finland) who after being the very first speaker of NetPLACE was back with us after 2 years.


His PhD research focused on how the structure of contact networks affects disease spread and the effectiveness of interventions. He highlighted the impact of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical measures and contact networks on herd immunity.

Abbas moonlights as a science writer for the public, and he recognizes that to be a good science communicator, you don't just need to know the topic you're talking about, but you also need other skills like adapting your story to the level of your audience.

How about the university? Should we have better Network Science programs at the master's level? Recently, some didactic books with exercises have been published, but there's still room to improve how we teach Network Science to graduate students.

If you want to know more, check the YouTube recording of the talk.