Comprehensive Online Certificate Program on Infectious Disease Modeling: Bridging Mathematics and Public Health – A Report
The Centre for Excellence in Mathematical Biology (CEMB) at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning (SSSIHL) conducted a nine-month online certificate program on “Infectious Disease Modeling” from March to November 2024. This interdisciplinary program introduced participants to mathematical modeling and data analysis in the context of disease dynamics and ecological systems.
Key topics included infectious disease modeling, stability analysis, bifurcation analysis, ecological modeling, delay differential equations, stochastic modeling, AI/ML techniques, systems biology, and scientific communication. The program saw 93 participants from diverse backgrounds learn to develop, analyze, and interpret disease and ecological models while integrating advanced mathematical frameworks such as delay differential equations, stochastic methods, and AI/ML-driven approaches.
The program featured nine modules, each led by experts from premier institutions such as NIT Warangal, IIT Indore, CURAJ, IITM Gwalior, IIT Roorkee, IISc Bangalore, IIT Kanpur, and SSSIHL. The Modules spanned foundational concepts, advanced modeling techniques, and data analysis using tools like Mathematica. The course emphasized ethical research practices and effective scientific communication, ensuring responsible and impactful applications of disease modeling.
Through theoretical insights and practical applications, this certificate program empowered participants with skills to frame, implement, and evaluate disease models, contributing to better public health strategies and ecological understanding.
