Summer School in epidemiology, genetics and modelling for infectious disease control

Learn more about a summer school in epidemiology, genetics and modelling for infectious disease control offered to PhD students, early career scientists and industry professionals.

Addressing today’s global challenges in infectious disease requires innovative, interdisciplinary approaches. 

This summer school brings together leading expertise in quantitative genetics, epidemiology, and disease phenomics to equip participants with the skills needed for sustainable disease control.

Dates and location

31 August - 4 September 2026

King's Buildings Campus

University of Edinburgh

Overview

The week-long programme explores the latest advances in:

  • diagnostics
  • disease genomics
  • disease phenomics
  • epidemiological predictive modelling
  • field epidemiology
  • statistical epidemiology.

A strong emphasis is placed on computational approaches, providing a hands-on experience with modern analytical tools. This is balanced with opportunities for informal networking and collaboration.

Eligibility

This course is designed for:

  • PhD students
  • postdoctoral researchers
  • early career scientists in quantitative genetics or epidemiology
  • industry professionals with backgrounds in veterinary or medical sciences, or quantitative genetics.

It is particularly suitable if you are looking to strengthen your data analysis and modelling skills while expanding professional networks. 

Fees

£560 for PhD students, early career scientists and postdoctoral researchers. 

£670 for participants from all other backgrounds.

Fees include: lectures, practicals, course material, visit to Easter Bush campus, refreshments and lunches during the programme and an event dinner. Please note that accommodation is not included.

Members of EU-LI-PHE COST Action Working Group may be eligible to apply for sponsorship. Members should indicate membership and an intention to apply for funding on the registration form. 

Registration

Registration opens soon.

Programme

DayFocusLead by
MondayApplied veterinary field epidemiology

Dr Lena-Mari Tamminen

Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

TuesdayInfectious disease genetics and genomics, breeding for disease control, and introduction to R programming

Dr Smaragda Tsairidou

Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies - Division of Global Agriculture and Food Systems, University of Edinburgh

WednesdayGenome to phenome integration, with multi-omics analysis for disease resistance

Professor David MacHugh

University College Dublin

Dr John O’Grady

Animal Genomics, ETH Zurich 

ThursdayGenetic-epidemiological predictive modelling

Professor Andrea Wilson

Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh

FridayStatistical epidemiology to estimate genetic and non-genetic effects underlying disease spread

Dr Chris Pooley

Biomathematics and Statistics Scotland

Contact

Dr Smaragda Tsairidou

Christy Macleod