Epidemiology
MORU Epidemiology studies the factors that contribute to the risk of different diseases and how to reduce those risks. The research portfolio includes clinical studies, descriptive epidemiology, and statistical and mathematical modelling of human diseases in South and Southeast Asia and Africa with a current focus on malaria, dengue, novel pathogens and environmental health.
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2019 MORU. Photographer: Gerhard Jørén
Overview
Headed by Prof Richard Maude, the Epidemiology Department at MORU works in close collaboration with other departments and units across the MORU network, national disease control programmes and a broad range of other collaborators. In all projects, the Epidemiology Department works with policy-makers as partners to address the scientific questions most pertinent to the disease control and elimination agendas and generate evidence to inform policy decisions.
Significant achievements
Established in late 2016, MORU Epidemiology has grown to over 30 people based in 10 countries. The Department published 45 peer-reviewed research papers since its founding. Staff in Epidemiology currently supervise 2 DPhil, 5 PhD and 1 MSc students.
Future vision
MORU Epidemiology Department plans to combine prospective data collection through field epidemiological studies, retrospective secondary data analysis and cutting-edge predictive modelling, machine learning and big data analytics as well as development and application of context appropriate technological solutions to improve the quality and timeliness of data collection.