Spatial modelling of spread of pathogens and pests (PhD project)

About this scholarship

We are seeking domestic PhD applicants with advanced skills in mathematical statistics, infectious disease modelling, or spatial modelling to contribute to an ARC Linkage funded project “Surveillance programs and sampling schemes for assessing and maintaining the absence of pests and diseases”. We intend to fund two PhD projects in the following areas: Mathematical modelling of diseases at low prevalence, including designing surveillance to detect emerging pests or diseases, with applications including Cucumber Mosaic Virus, Lymphatic Filariasis and African Swine Fever. Spatial modelling of spread of pathogens and pests, including the role of climate variability in driving incursion, with applications including viruses such as Bluetongue virus that are spread by biting midges. The successful candidates will work closely with ANU staff from the National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health (NCEPH), the Research School of Finance, Actuarial Studies and Statistics (RSFAS), and in collaboration with staff from the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. Students will be located in NCEPH for their PhD.

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