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MIDAS

About

Learn more about the MIDAS network

Vision

MIDAS is a global network of scientists and practitioners from academia, industry, government, and non-governmental agencies, who develop and use computational, statistical and mathematical models to improve the understanding of infectious disease dynamics as it relates to pathogenesis, transmission, effective control strategies, and forecasting. MIDAS supports open science practices by encouraging members to collaborate by sharing information, datasets, models, workflows, and research insights to improve global preparedness for, and response against infectious disease threats.

Mission

The MIDAS network aims to advance science to improve global preparedness and response against infectious disease threats through research, training, promotion, and service. See the MIDAS mission statement for details.

Membership

MIDAS network membership is open to any infectious disease scientist, practitioner, or student who supports the mission and vision of the network. The MIDAS network is defined by broad inclusivity and diversity of its members, fostering collaboration to advance the science and application of infectious disease modeling. To join MIDAS, complete the member application form. The advantages of membership of the MIDAS network include access to:

  1. A collaborative, multidisciplinary, environment of infectious disease modeling experts;
  2. Groups of modelers and/or practitioners focused on specific areas of interest that span across individual modeling projects;
  3. Shared resources among network members, including datasets, models, software, and workflows;
  4. Services provided by the MIDAS network Coordination Center (MCC), including data services and training and outreach;
  5. Research promotion including visibility of research profiles, publications, projects, and media attention through the MIDAS website and (social) media outreach by the MCC;
  6. The annual MIDAS meeting, training and outreach activities;
  7. Other opportunities including the coordination of collaborations between scientists and public health agencies, to translate model results into public health impact, and to bring relevant public health questions to modelers;
Member application form

MIDAS Steering Committee

MIDAS is governed by a 12-member steering committee consisting of MIDAS members and external collaborators. The steering committee represents the broader MIDAS community and aims to support the network in fulfilling its mission and vision. Each year, the steering committee reviews the the MIDAS Coordination Center (MCC) annual report of conducted and planned activities, including past and planned expenditures. During the annual MIDAS meeting, the steering committee will provide feedback on the report to the MCC and NIH. The MCC will include the steering committee feedback in their annual progress report to NIH. Steering committee members are invited from the MIDAS community by the MCC in such a way that any MIDAS member has an equal opportunity to volunteer. Steering committee members nominate and elect a chair and each member serves a two-year term. Steering committee members rotate off and on in a staggered timeline, to ensure that the committee always includes new and experienced members. The steering committee represents MIDAS in conversations with partner and funding agencies, can start a process to modify the mission and vision of the network, and oversees activities of the MCC. The steering committee meets twice per year, once by video conference, and during the annual MIDAS meeting.

Steering Committee Chair

Steering Committee Members

MIDAS Training

MIDAS creates educational, training, mentoring and career development opportunities in computational, statistical and mathematical modeling. The MIDAS network is dedicated to train a broad community of scientists and practitioners including those from underrepresented groups and low-resource settings. Many MIDAS members are involved in training activities, listed on the MIDAS Training page.

MIDAS Computing

MIDAS members have access to High-performance computing (HPC) services provided by the MIDAS Coordination Center. The MCC has partnered with NIH Science and Technology Research Infrastructure for Discovery, Experimentation, and Sustainability (STRIDES) Initiative and Google Cloud Platform to provide discounted computing services to MIDAS. Centralized cloud-based HPC services enable a cost-effective, pay-as-you-go solution to MIDAS computing needs, with efficient centralization of the administrative functions. The MCC will provide a tailored HPC solution for each MIDAS member after assessing their HPC needs. When MIDAS HPC needs exceed the MCC budget, the MCC will work with members, funding agencies, and HPC providers to find acceptable solutions. To request HPC services, please submit a brief proposal here.

MIDAS Network Coordination Center

The MIDAS network is coordinated by the MIDAS Network Coordination Center (MCC). The MCC aims to improve the scientific and societal impact of research, training, promotion, and services conducted by MIDAS members. The MCC supports MIDAS in five specific areas, by:

  1. Organizing the annual MIDAS network meeting;
  2. Organizing outreach and training activities;
  3. Providing data services, including metadata design and creation, data standardization, and a data discovery and access portal;
  4. Coordinating communication between researchers, students, and public health practitioners.

More information about MCC services.