Ben Young

Ben is a postdoctoral researcher in infectious disease modelling within Professor Fraser’s Pathogen Dynamics Group at the Pandemic Sciences Institute. He is part of the CEPI-funded PRESTO project, where he contributes to developing a mathematical modelling framework to compare vaccine trial designs and accelerate efficacy studies for future pandemic pathogens. His work focuses on Rift Valley Fever and Chikungunya, two of the WHO’s priority pathogens. 

Ben’s research interest focuses broadly on infectious disease epidemiology and the use of mathematical models to better understand transmission dynamics, prepare for pandemics, and reduce public health burdens. Ben completed his PhD in infectious disease epidemiology at the University of Hong Kong and an MSc in epidemiology from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. His PhD focused on SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics and the impact of public heath measures on the burden of disease in Hong Kong. He undertook a research visit at the University of Melbourne, where he explored the interaction between school closures and endemic circulation of seasonal respiratory viruses. Prior to his PhD, he worked at the MRC in The Gambia on a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine non-inferiority trial, assessing childhood vaccination regimens. He has also gained experience at a health economics modelling consultancy in London.