Visualization for epidemiological modelling: challenges, solutions, reflections and recommendations

Dykes, Jason; Abdul-Rahman, Alfie; Archambault, Daniel; Bach, Benjamin; Borgo, Rita; Chen, Min; Enright, Jessica; Fang, Hui; Firat, Elif E.; Freeman, Euan; Gönen, Tuna; Harris, Claire; Jianu, Radu; John, Nigel W.; Khan, Saiful; Lahiff, Andrew; Laramee, Robert S.; Matthews, Louise; Mohr, Sibylle; Nguyen, Phong H.; Rahat, Alma A. M.; Reeve, Richard; Ritsos, Panagiotis D.; Roberts, Jonathan C.; Slingsby, Aidan; Swallow, Ben; Torsney-Weir, Thomas; Turkay, Cagatay; Turner, Robert; Vidal, Franck P.; Wang, Qiru; Wood, Jo; Xu, Kai

Abstract

We report on an ongoing collaboration between epidemiological modellers and visualization researchers by documenting and reflecting upon knowledge constructs—a series of ideas, approaches and methods taken from existing visualization research and practice—deployed and developed to support modelling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Structured independent commentary on these efforts is synthesized through iterative reflection to develop: evidence of the effectiveness and value of visualization in this context; open problems upon which the research communities may focus; guidance for future activity of this type and recommendations to safeguard the achievements and promote, advance, secure and prepare for future collaborations of this kind. In describing and comparing a series of related projects that were undertaken in unprecedented conditions, our hope is that this unique report, and its rich interactive supplementary materials, will guide the scientific community in embracing visualization in its observation, analysis and modelling of data as well as in disseminating findings. Equally we hope to encourage the visualization community to engage with impactful science in addressing its emerging data challenges. If we are successful, this showcase of activity may stimulate mutually beneficial engagement between communities with complementary expertise to address problems of significance in epidemiology and beyond. See https://ramp-vis.github.io/RAMPVIS-PhilTransA-Supplement/.

Citation

Dykes, J., Abdul-Rahman, A., Archambault, D., Bach, B., Borgo, R., Chen, M., Enright, J., Fang, H., Firat, E. E., Freeman, E., Gönen, T., Harris, C., Jianu, R., John, N. W., Khan, S., Lahiff, A., Laramee, R. S., Matthews, L., Mohr, S., Nguyen, P. H., …Xu, K. (2022). Visualization for epidemiological modelling: challenges, solutions, reflections and recommendations. Philosophical Transactions A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 380(2233), https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2021.0299

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 18, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Aug 15, 2022
• Publication Date: Oct 3, 2022
• Deposit Date: Nov 15, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 15, 2022
• Journal: Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences
• Print ISSN: 1364-503X
• Electronic ISSN: 1471-2962
• Publisher: The Royal Society
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 380
• Issue: 2233
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsta.2021.0299
• Keywords: General Physics and Astronomy; General Engineering; General Mathematics
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/10082823
• Publisher URL: https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsta.2021.0299