ODeSI Operational Research and Decision Support for Prevention, Control and Elimination of Infectious Diseases

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), vaccine preventable diseases (VPDs), and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are of international significance, especially in Asia-Pacific, and present many mutual challenges.

Shared critical needs include more timely and sensitive surveillance, rapid evidence synthesis, transparent risk-benefit analysis, effective risk communication, accountable decision making, and user-friendly decision support tools.

The ODeSI Program aims to address these critical needs and provide practical solutions for effective management of EIDs, NTDs, and VPDs, with a focus on the unique challenges in Australia and Asia-Pacific.

Research undertaken as part of this Program will support evidence-based, data-driven, transparent, and accountable decision making by providing operational frameworks and technological platforms that can be rapidly adapted for different diseases and countries.
The Program will harness advances in data science, digital health, and information technology to develop innovative digital solutions and tools to combat infectious diseases. Active engagement with decision-makers from leading institutions in Australia and globally will ensure rapid translation of outcomes into clinical and public health policy and practice.

The ODeSI Program will extend the capability and reach of UQ’s ID-NET team – internationally recognised for their expertise in neglected tropical diseases, emerging infectious diseases, vaccine preventable diseases, and travel medicine.