An interdisciplinary team of UOB researchers, Dr Ellen Brooks Pollock, Associate Professor in Infectious Disease Modelling, Dr Leon Danon Associate Professor in Data Analytics and Dr Ewan Colman, Senior Research Associate in Infectious Disease Modelling organised the workshop as part of their ‘Ready Reckoners for Policy’ project, funded by PolicyBristol as part of the Research England Policy Support Fund (PSF).

The workshop, bought together academics and policymakers at Admiralty House, Whitehall to exchange ideas and best practice of working together, identifying areas for improvement and linking academics with interests in policy-relevant areas and government areas using modelling.

Researchers from several universities shared their research and there was an opportunity to hear from Cabinet Office staff on their experiences working with data and modelling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Government Chief Scientific Advisor Professor Angela McLean and Chief Medical Officer Professor Chris Whitty joined the workshop to discuss their top tips on communicating modelling research.

Facilitated discussions then took place to discuss the challenges around using modelling in policy and how to overcome them. These discussions, along with the takeaways from the rest of the workshop will shape the rest of the Ready Reckoners for Policy project.

Alex Wilson, from the Cabinet Office said: "A fantastic event that provided a rare opportunity to hear first hand about some brilliant mathematical modelling that has the potential to inform policy development across Government."