CMM Director visits Mexico to explore strategies for future pandemics

CMM Director visits Mexico to explore strategies for future pandemics

The international initiative deepens the work of the Chile-Mexico project on mathematical modeling of epidemic processes, incorporating population structure, regional dynamics, and risk groups.

Professor Héctor Ramírez, Director of the Center for Mathematical Modeling (CMM) at the University of Chile, is leading a delegation of researchers to Mexico as part of the Chile-Mexico project, a binational initiative focused on developing mathematical models to address pandemics.

The team, composed of Professors Pedro Gajardo (Technical University Federico Santa María), Isabel Matute (Center for Epidemiology and Health Policies, Universidad del Desarrollo), and Jorge Velasco (Institute of Mathematics, National Autonomous University of Mexico), held two strategic meetings in Mexico City. The first was with Isabel Hubard, Director of the Institute of Mathematics at UNAM, to discuss the project’s progress and explore new avenues for collaboration. They later met with Jorge Vidal, Counselor of the Chilean Embassy in Mexico, where the critical role of this binational project in strengthening relations between the two countries was highlighted.

From October 16 to 22, at the National School of Higher Studies (ENES Juriquilla) in Querétaro, the group will work with researchers from the University of Sonora to refine mathematical models that integrate population structure, regions, and risk groups, essential for improving pandemic response strategies.

Binational Research

The Chile-Mexico project, funded by the Chile-Mexico Cooperation Fund, aims to generate mathematical models capable of simulating the spread and impact of epidemics, considering demographic and territorial factors. This partnership between the CMM and UNAM represents a pioneering initiative in the region, with the potential to directly influence public health decision-making in both countries.

This binational effort underscores the importance of academic collaboration and the application of mathematical models to anticipate and mitigate the impact of future health crises, reaffirming the role of science as a pillar in the design of effective public policies.

Center for Mathematical Modeling

The CMM is today the most active scientific research institution in mathematical modeling in Latin America. It is a center of excellence of the National Agency for Research and Development (ANID) of Chile, integrated by eight partner universities and located at the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences of the University of Chile. It is also the International Research Laboratory (IRL) #2807 of the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS).

Its mission is to create mathematics in response to problems in other sciences, industry and public policy. It seeks to develop science with the highest standards, excellence and rigor in areas such as data science, climate and biodiversity, education, resource management, mining and digital health.

Alonso Farías Ponce, journalist of the Center for Mathematical Modeling.

Posted on Oct 16, 2024 in News