Mathematical modelling to guide disease control and health solutions.

Modelling infectious diseases. Informing global health.

The Global Disease Modelling team develops data-driven, mechanistic models to understand infectious disease dynamics — from within-host biology to population-level transmission — and to evaluate the real-world impact of health interventions.

We work across malaria, respiratory viruses, and emerging infections, using modelling and simulation to support decision-making for drug, vaccine, and policy development in global health.

Learn More

Health solutions in action

Malaria Vaccines

We simulate the public health impact of the malaria vaccines RTS,S and R21 across diverse transmission settings to inform policy and deployment strategies.

Vaccine Impact Modelling Consortium

As contributors to VIMC, we develop models to estimate the global health impact of vaccination programs, supporting evidence-based decision-making.

OpenMalaria

We maintain and advance OpenMalaria, a leading open-source platform for simulating malaria transmission and evaluating intervention strategies at scale.

OpenCOVID

Developed during the COVID-19 pandemic, OpenCOVID models viral transmission and interventions, supporting national and international response planning.

Target Product Profiles (TPPs)

We use model-based evaluations to assess Target Product Profiles (TPPs) for new malaria interventions, guiding the development of impactful tools.

Translating Research Into Policy Decisions

Our research shapes decisions on how products are made and how they are decided for use against malaria and other infectious diseases.

Explore All Projects

“

Professor Fiona Stanley AC | Distinguished Australian Epidemiologist and Child Health Advocate

Professor Penny is an outstanding medical researcher, with an established international reputation in the cutting-edge field of disease modelling. Her skills will complement the existing talent that already exists in Perth, putting WA on the map as a global powerhouse for medical research.

”

“

Professor Amit Chakma | UWA's Vice-Chancellor

Professor Melissa Penny's knowledge will help inform and create better medical preventions and treatments for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

”

165+

Policy Documents

Our data informs policy makers on decision-making for malaria and COVID interventions. This is reflected in policy citations of our research publications (sources: Scopus and Overton).

85+

Research Papers

Our work has led to over 85+ peer-reviewed publications and 2 book chapters that advance the science and application of mathematical modelling of infectious disease.

14+

Projects

From malaria vaccines to the application of our work to support national health emergencies, our modelling work spans more than 14 impactful research projects that produce insights that guide policy decisions.