I am a researcher in mathematical modelling of infectious diseases. I’ve worked on developing methods and tools for the real-time analysis of outbreaks for the last 10 years. For the last year my work has focused on modelling the COVID-19 epidemic in the UK, to understand the drivers of transmission and examine the potential impact of interventions. This work is done as part of the Imperial College Covid-19 response team and is being shared with policy makers on a regular basis to inform decision making.

This year, I’ve been particularly inspired by all those who have been at the forefront of the epidemic response everywhere in the world. Health care workers of course, but also cleaners, receptionists, and also farmers, truck drivers, teachers, who have ensured that our basic needs (being healthy, being fed, being educated) are met in these incredibly difficult times. Most of them don’t get the recognition they deserve.

I am very proud of every contribution, however small, my work makes to improving public health. Working on outbreaks you get to see the impact of your work in near real-time and it is really rewarding.

I started doing jigsaw puzzles again during lockdown! It was a favourite activity on rainy days with my family when I was a kid but I had not done one for a while. At the moment I’m doing a 1000 piece puzzle of a painting of crowded Piccadilly circus; it’s quite surreal.

Read more about Dr Anne Cori's work here.