METRICS: BURDEN OF DISEASEBurden 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 researchWe 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.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL METRICS Origem has recently started new analytical projects in the area of food production. Among its goals, is the development of a comprehensive picture of the financial, environmental, health and social impacts of food systems across geographies, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
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effectiveness of interventionsWe have been involved in major projects on the impact of public health interventions, including the effectiveness of the pneumococcal vaccines and the timing of influenza immunization. The results have been broadly publicized and embraced by institutions such as the WHO and the CDC.
historical epidemiologyWhile 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 the importance of key policies in public health.
CRITICAL assessments OF THE LITERATURECritically evaluating the literature is crucial for scientific advancement and the elaboration of well-informed policies. Origem has published a number of studies where it reviews methods, assumptions and the appropriateness of data used in global health research and other areas.
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spatio-temporal disease dynamicsUnderstanding 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 toolsOrigem has developed several modelling studies and analytical tools, among which the award-winning software Epipoi (see box below). Other work include an analytical tool for simulating the impact of alternative immunization strategies against measles and a visual model of rotavirus epidemics.
EVOLUTIONARY & behavioral RESEARCHWe have also developed widely cited 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 theory on the evolution of aposematic colors.
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