The Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), a statutory body under the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, has recently endorsed the funding for 11 projects. These projects fall under the MATRICS scheme and aim to study mathematical modelling and computational aspects, specifically designed to combat the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Objective of the Studies
These studies are centered around proposing mathematical and simulation models which account for numerous factors related to Covid-19. The models will be developed by modifying the basic SIR (Susceptible-Infected-Recovered) models. An SIR model is a renowned epidemiological model that calculates the theoretical number of individuals infected with a contagious illness in a closed population over a period.
The SIR models get their name as they involve intertwined equations correlating the number of susceptible people, infected people, and people who have recovered from the disease. Several factors such as heterogeneity of the population, the role of asymptomatic infected individuals, migration and quarantine measures, impacts of social distancing and lockdown procedures, socioeconomic dynamics and more, will be incorporated during these modifications.
Aims of The Research
The main aim of these studies is to ascertain Indian conditions and provide an estimate of the Basic Reproduction Number (R0). R0 is a rudimentary indicator that reflects the degree of contagiousness of the disease. It reveals the average number of individuals who could possibly contract the disease from a single infected individual. A higher R0 indicates a higher contagiousness of the virus, thus facilitating a faster spread within the community.
An additional objective of this research is to identify the maximum likelihood infection tree, given that the infection reports and the structure of the contact network are known to the administration. Furthermore, the researchers are also aiming at identifying potential cures for Covid-19 by examining the patterns of DNA structures across different viruses.
About the MATRICS Scheme
The MATRICS Scheme was introduced by the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) in 2017. The scheme’s primary purpose is to provide fixed grant support to active researchers with significant credentials in Mathematical Sciences, Theoretical Sciences, and Quantitative Social Sciences.
Under this scheme, the aid is given in the form of a research grant amounting to Rs. 2 lakh per annum plus overheads. This support is extended for a span of three years.
Resource: PIB
