RAMP Continuity Network: Scientific Meetings, Rapid Review Group, and Policy Support for COVID-19
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Applied Maths and Theoretical Physics
Abstract
Since its inception in late March, RAMP (Rapid Assistance in Modelling the Pandemic) has initiated many new projects and activities and involved in COVID-19 research several hundred scientists whose skill sets complement those of the traditional epidemic modelling community. The majority of substantive new research projects have sought or will seek individual continuity support from UKRI and can also draw on data support, discussion forums infrastructure, and central admin at Edinburgh funded already by UKRI (PI: Ackland). The current proposal is to sustain and add value to RAMP's new research ecosystem, and enhance its connectivity to other COVID-19 research activities across the UK, by funding continuation of key RAMP activities for a further 18 months in the following areas. (i) Scientific networking, to include discussion meetings, study groups, and workshops involving RAMP, SPI-M and other teams; these events organized primarily via the Isaac Newton Institute. (ii) RAMP's Rapid Review Group, based at Oxford, which scrutinizes outputs and reports (from RAMP, SPI-M, third parties and the open literature) so as to better inform Government and its advice channels. (iii) Policy work staffed by the Royal Society to ensure the scientific outputs of RAMP and others land correctly within Government to maximize their policy value.
Publications

Sachak-Patwa R
(2021)
The risk of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks in low prevalence settings following the removal of travel restrictions
in Communications Medicine
Description | The findings from several virtual study group events have been delivered as influential reports to the businesses and industries directly participating and disseminated more widely across the sectors. The findings from several academic workships have fed via the collaboration with JUNIPER into the deliberations of SPI-M and related government working groups providing science based advice directrly to government. Rapid-review analyses of third-party publications have also been provided to SPI-M and others. |
First Year Of Impact | 2021 |
Sector | Healthcare,Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism,Government, Democracy and Justice,Retail,Transport |
Impact Types | Economic,Policy & public services |
Description | Policy landing work at the Royal Society |
Organisation | The Royal Society |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | RAMP funds a staff member in the RS policy team. |
Collaborator Contribution | The RS provide vast expertise in policy work which the RAMP-funded staff member can tap into |
Impact | N/A |
Start Year | 2020 |
Description | Virtual Study Group Meeting hosted by ICMS |
Organisation | International Centre for Mathematical Sciences (ICMS) |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Academic/University |
PI Contribution | Joint organization of virtual study group meetings |
Collaborator Contribution | Joint organization of virtual study group meetings |
Impact | V-KEMS report, Covid 19 Safety in Large Events produced its final report downloadable at https://gateway.newton.ac.uk/event/tgm101 |
Start Year | 2021 |
Description | Virtual Study Group - COVID-19 Safety in large events 13-15 Aug 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Industry/Business |
Results and Impact | Virtual Study Group - COVID-19 Safety in large events 13-15 Aug. This three-day virtual study group was hosted by ICMS and delivered by V-KEMS and explored the challenges related to the delivery of Large Events during the COVID-19 pandemic. 40 participants (including 5 industry and 3 public). V-KEMS report, Covid 19 Safety in Large Events Lyndsey Jackson, Deputy CEO Edinburgh Fringe said "Thank you for this - it's going to be hugely helpful in supporting performers to engage with crowds safely, and the key advice is both digestible and useful!" KTN News article on this: https://ktn-uk.org/news/covid-19-safety-in-large-events-using-mathematical-sciences/ Plus magazine news article: https://plus.maths.org/content/keeping-people-safe-large-events |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |
URL | https://gateway.newton.ac.uk/sites/default/files/asset/doc/2109/COVID19%20Safety%20in%20Large%20Even... |
Description | Virtual Study Group - hospitality and leisure, 12-14 Oct. 2021 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A formal working group, expert panel or dialogue |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Study participants or study members |
Results and Impact | This three-day virtual study group was developed and hosted by the Newton Gateway and delivered by V-KEMS. It brought mathematical scientists and other disciplines together to solve challenges faced by the hospitality and leisure sector as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 50 participants including 9 from industry. The Virtual study group on Hospitality resulted in five tailored short reports have been supplied to UK Hospitality, University of Cambridge Sports Centre, Royal Opera House, Shakespeare's Globe and Independent Cinema Office. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2021 |