The Centre for Epidemic Research and Modelling (CERM) was established in 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, we are Singapore and Southeast Asia’s dedicated hub for cutting-edge infectious disease modelling and epidemic intelligence.
CERM serves as a critical nexus between academic research and public health practice, delivering real-time epidemiological insights and predictive modelling to support evidence-based policy decisions. We combine multiple modelling approaches—mathematical, computational, statistical, geospatial, and economic—to understand disease transmission dynamics and evaluate intervention strategies.
Located within the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at the National University of Singapore, CERM is uniquely positioned to address the distinctive epidemiological challenges of tropical Southeast Asia whilst contributing to global infectious disease challenges. We maintain strong partnerships with regional health ministries, WHO SEARO, WHO WPRO and international research networks. We are committed to building regional modelling capacity through training programmes, workshops, and collaborative research opportunities.
Our Mission
Our Mission is to advance the science of infectious disease modelling and inform policies through our innovative research.
We strive to adhere to the following principles in our work
Equitable Impact
We ensure our modelling serves all populations, particularly vulnerable communities in Southeast Asia, prioritising research that addresses regional health disparities whilst building local capacity and contributing to global knowledge.
Open Science
We champion transparency, reproducibility, and scientific integrity in all our work—sharing code, data, and methods openly whilst providing objective, evidence-based guidance that acknowledges uncertainties.
Responsive Excellence
We balance rapid response during health emergencies with methodological rigour, continuously innovating our approaches and embracing emerging technologies to deliver timely, actionable insights for decision-makers.
Collaborative Partnerships
We bridge disciplines and institutions, fostering respectful partnerships between modellers, public health practitioners, and policymakers across Southeast Asia and globally to translate research into meaningful health outcomes.
Study with US
We have opportunities for students to engage with us at all levels
1. Undergraduates
2. Master of Public Health – Our School’s flagship programme now has a specialisation in modelling with following modelling related specialised courses:
- SPH5421 Fundamentals of Infectious Disease Modelling
- SPH6101 Advanced Infectious Disease Modelling
- SPH6102 Inferential Infectious Disease Modelling
- SPH5105 Advanced Geospatial Methods for Public Health
3. PhD and MSc – We are always looking for motivated students to join us for research intensive degrees, more details for both PhD and MSc programmes can be found here. Students from the ASEAN region should also consider applying for the ASEAN research scholarship.