Research and Analysis

what we do

Origem has been a pioneer in the bold task of providing scientific and analytical knowledge and training to research institutions, organizations and universities. Its accomplishments in the fields of global health and analytics have been awarded prizes by recognized institutions, published at major scientific journals, featured at media outlets and translated into real-world solutions.

SOME OF the research areas we work on

METRICS: BURDEN OF DISEASE

Burden of disease is the impact of a health condition, as measured by mortality, morbidity, disability or financial cost indicators. Origem has successfully conducted a number of investigations on the burden of infectious (eg. respiratory, enteric, vector-borne) and non-communicable diseases.

emergency and preparedness research

We provide expertise to strengthen emergency response systems. Previous work include assessments of guidelines and intervention practices for the control of pandemics and the elaboration of recommendations to optimize the effectiveness of mobile phones as aid devices.

EVOLUTIONARY & ANIMAL RESEARCH

We have also developed a number of studies in evolutionary biology, including theoretical work questioning inclusive fitness theory for the evolution of biological altruism, a pioneer study on the role of environmental variability on the evolution of advanced cognition, and a new hypothesis on the evolution of aposematic colors.

effectiveness of interventions

We have been involved in major projects on the impact of public health interventions, including the effectiveness of the pneumococcal vaccines to reduce pneumonia mortality in low- and middle income countries and the timing and composition of seasonal influenza immunization in tropical regions.

historical epidemiology

While investigating major global disease challenges we also delve into the past to look for patterns and clues to present disease threats. By doing so, we have successfully contributed to the understanding of past pandemics and of the importance of specific policies in public health.

METRICS OF
WELFARE

Concerns about the quality of life of farm animals are rapidly growing. However, for changes in consumption and industry practices to be effective in mitigating the welfare costs of animal food production they need to be well-informed. Origem's directors have recently started working on the analysis of farm animal welfare to fullfil that purpose.

DISEASE
DYNAMIcS

Understanding how disease spreads is central to designing effective control and mitigation strategies. Origem has examined how infectious diseases (e.g. influenza, rotavirus) spread across time and space in several countries, as well as investigated the underlying risk factors associated with these diseases.

modeling and analytical tools

Origem has developed several modelling studies and analytical tools, among which the software Epipoi (box below). Other work include an analytical tool for simulating the impact of immunization strategies against measles and a collaboration for the development of a visual model of rotavirus epidemics.

FOR MORE DETAILS - SEE OUR PUBLICATIONS