Sam Scarpino on Modeling Disease Transmission & Interventions

from COMPLEXITY · host Sam Scarpino, Michael Garfield

“We should not have a strategy that involves killing a sizable percentage of the population. But, even if you were going to get over that ethical hurdle, [herd immunity for Covid-19] still isn't going to work.”- Sam ScarpinoFor this special mini-series covering the Covid-19 pandemic, we will bring you into conversation with the scientists studying the bigger picture of this crisis, so you can learn their cutting-edge approaches and what sense they make of our evolving global situation.This week we speak with Samuel V. Scarpino, who earned his PhD at UT Austin before becoming an Omidyar Fellow at The Santa Fe Institute, and now an Assistant Professor in the Network Science Institute at Northeastern University. In this episode, we glance off the surface of his extensive epidemiological research to discuss the complexity of interacting biological and behavioral contagions, analyzing Chinese mobility data to evaluate pandemic interventions, and the problem of unequal data collection due to socioeconomic inequality.Note that this episode was recorded on March 20th and we’d like to issue a blanket disclaimer that our understanding of the novel coronavirus pandemic evolves by the hour. We believe this information to be up to date at the time of publication but the findings discussed in this episode could soon be refined by more research.Sam’s Website & Twitter Page.Read the papers we discuss in this episode at Sam’s Google Scholar Page.Visit our website for more information or to support our science and communication efforts.Join our Facebook discussion group to meet like minds and talk about each episode.Podcast Theme Music by Mitch Mignano.Follow us on social media:Twitter • YouTube • Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn

NOW PLAYING

0:00 28:32

1×

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

Share this episode

Similar Episodes

Our Immune Systems Are Full of Ancient Weapons

May 12, 2026 ·29m

Introducing Drilled: Carbon Cowboys

May 12, 2026 ·27m

20 Facebook Ads Tips For Financial Advisors

May 11, 2026 ·22m

Here’s Why The US And China Struggle To Play Nice

May 8, 2026 ·10m

What Can We Gain by Losing Infinity?

May 5, 2026 ·30m

The End of Cold Prospecting: Three Proven Methods to Warm Up Prospects

May 4, 2026 ·24m

Similar Podcasts

CISO Perspectives (public) N2K Networks This season on CISO Perspectives, host Kim Jones explores some of the challenges of leading through uncertainty. We explore the complexity of the changing nature of regulation and working with the federal government, the evolution of privacy and fraud, and how emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing are changing cyber. When you don’t know what questions to ask, you’re afraid to ask, or don’t know who to ask, CISO Perspectives provides the foundation for learning in this brave new world. Product Management Stories Denny Klisch The complexity of Product Management can discourage young professionals and aspiring individuals from pursuing a career in the field. The purpose of this Podcast is to demystify the complexity of Product Management for young Product Managers or people who want to get into Product Management. The Podcast provides valuable insights into the journeys of successful Product Managers, which helps the audience understand the skills, tools, and techniques they need to develop to become successful Product Managers. Deeply Well with Devi Brown The Black Effect Podcast Network and iHeartPodcasts Deeply Well Where higher consciousness meets the complexity of being human.Hosted by Well-Being Master Teacher and multi-disciplinary healer Devi Brown, Deeply Well is a soft place to land for those navigating the quiet, courageous work of becoming whole. Through soul-expanding conversations, guided meditations, and our signature Soul Work, each episode explores what it truly means to heal, to rewire, and to return—to your body, your truth, and your unique path. Created for the seekers, the sensitives, the creatives, and anyone reclaiming peace in a world that often overwhelms, Deeply Well invites you into presence, clarity, and self-mastery—one breath, one practice, one guest at a time.Devi Brown is the founder of Devi Brown Well-Being, former Chief Impact Officer at Chopra Global, and the author of Living in Wisdom and Crystal Bliss. Her work honors the sacred complexity of healing and guides you gently back to yourself—again and again. Comfort in the Workplace Braudis Frano Braudis Frano discusses the culture framework "Comfort in the Workplace". "Comfort in the Workplace" helps leaders establish a culture that enables teams to reach their potential.Braudis covers tools and topics related to the 13 tenets of Comfort in the Workplace - Respect for Team Members, Demand Excellence, Stewardship, Accountability, Consistent Communication, Remove Micromanagement, Simplify Complexity, Continuous Improvement, Proactive Action, Expect Success, Healthy Collaboration, Transparency, and Focus on the Important.Braudis interweaves stories based on his experience to help bring Comfort in the Workplace to life and ensure that you can develop your leadership and establish a high performing culture with your team.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of COMPLEXITY?

This episode is 28 minutes long.

When was this COMPLEXITY episode published?

This episode was published on April 1, 2020.

What is this episode about?

Can I download this COMPLEXITY episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.

URL copied to clipboard!