A maths professor at the University of Bath has been recognised for his ‘exceptional contribution’ to modelling work during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Professor Chris Budd | Photo © University of Bath
Chris Budd OBE received an Award for Modelling and Data Support (SAMDS) from the British government for his efforts.
The award recognises the time ‘outside of their usual work activity’ that Professor Budd and other experts have dedicated to supporting the government’s Scientific Pandemic Influenza Group on Modelling (SPI-M-O).
It has been presented by government chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance and chief medical officer for England Sir Chris Whitty on behalf of SPI-M-O and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).
SAMDS are given to people like Professor Budd, who have often worked long and unsociable hours ‘to ensure the government has access to world-leading scientific evidence’.
At various points in the pandemic, Professor Budd’s models helped inform government policy on safe ways for people to congregate, for instance, when attending university lectures, travelling by public transport or gathering for large events.
Accepting the award, he said: “It’s an honour to receive this accolade, and an equal honour to have been part of a fantastic team here at Bath doing our part to fight Covid.
“I’m accepting this award on behalf of my PhD students Tosin Babasola, Tina Zhou and Simone Appella, who worked tirelessly on Covid modelling, as well as working hard on their PhDs.”
