The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) is now accepting applications for the NIMBioS sponsored Investigative Workshop: Modeling Bovine Tuberculosis, to be held July 7-9, 2009 at NIMBioS.
Topic: Modeling the impact of cattle movements on transmission dynamics of bovine tuberculosis (M. bovis) in the United States Organizers: Colleen Webb, Department of Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins. Agricola Odoi, Department of Comparative Medicine, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Location: NIMBioS at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville Summary: The use of disease simulation models is one method of exploring disease control options Understanding cattle movement patterns as well as the connectivity of the various sectors of the U.S. cattle industry and incorporating these in the models would allow USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) Veterinary Services (VS) to develop more effective regulations and control strategies for various animal diseases, including bovine TB. This Investigative Workshop will bring together experts from across the globe to discuss cutting-edge approaches to model bovine TB transmission in the United States with the goal of developing a Working Group to develop a model which would help inform policy on TB control strategies. A number of interesting mathematical questions exist at the intersection of statistical and process-based models, and research on these approaches will be relevant to the problem of modeling TB transmission. For more information about the workshop and a link to the online application form, go to http://www.nimbios.org/announcements/WS_BovineTB. Application deadline: Monday, June 1, 2009. NIMBioS Investigative Workshops involve 30-40 participants, focus on a broad topic or a set of related topics, attempt to summarize/synthesize the state of the art and identify future directions, and have potential for leading to one or more future Working Groups <http://www.nimbios.org/workinggroups/working_groups.html>. Participation is open (but numbers are limited), so individuals with a strong interest in the topic are encouraged to apply. Post-docs and graduate students are eligible to apply. If needed, NIMBioS can provide support (travel, meals, lodging) for Workshop attendees. For more information, e-mail bovin...@nimbios.org.
