Pooled testing to prevent the next pandemic

How should we best conduct pool testing to keep an eye on the next pandemic while making best use of expensive tests?<br /> <br /> When testing people for a disease, we often use individual tests, where each person gets their own test and their own result. An alternative strategy is “pooled testing” where samples are mixed together before testing: a negative test means every individual in the pool are disease-free, but a positive test means at least one of individuals has the disease and further investigation is required.<br /> <br /> What is the optimal way to design such pooled tests? This mathematical question can be addressed in a number of ways, using ideas from probability, combinatorics, information theory, statistics, or computer science. There are purely theoretical questions, questions that require the running of computer simulations, and many questions that require a mixture of the two.<br /> <br /> For example: What if tests that should be negative are contaminated? What if tests that should be positive are accidentally diluted? How do we deal with correlation, where people in the same family or workplace are likely to infect each other?

<p>Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for is <em><strong>PHD Mathematics (Statistics) FT</strong></em>, in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Pooled testing to prevent the next pandemic</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/maths/staff/5707/dr-matthew-aldridge">Dr Matthew Aldridge</a> as your proposed supervisor <em><strong>and in the finance section, please state clearly the funding that you are applying for, if you are self-funding or externally sponsored.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p><em>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</em></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing">Applications will be considered on an ongoing basis.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application.  We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents at the point you submit your application:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p style="margin-bottom:12px"><strong>UK </strong>– The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/209-leeds-doctoral-scholarships-2022">Leeds Doctoral Scholarships</a>, <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/234-leeds-opportunity-research-scholarship-2022">Leeds Opportunity Research Scholarship</a> (open from October 2024 for October 2025 entry) and <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/55-school-of-mathematics-scholarship">School of Mathematics Scholarships</a> are available to UK applicants. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Non-UK</strong> –<a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/55-school-of-mathematics-scholarship">The School of Mathematics Scholarships</a> are available to all International applicants.  The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/48-china-scholarship-council-university-of-leeds-scholarships-2021">China Scholarship Council - University of Leeds Scholarship</a> is available to nationals of China (open from October 2024 for October 2025 entry). The <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/73-leeds-marshall-scholarship">Leeds Marshall Scholarship</a> is available to support US citizens. <a href="https://phd.leeds.ac.uk/funding/60-alumni-bursary">Alumni Bursary</a> is available to graduates of the University of Leeds.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong>  Any costs associated with your arrival at the University of Leeds to start your PhD including flights, immigration health surcharge/medical insurance and Visa costs are <em><strong>not</strong></em> covered under this studentship.</p> <p> </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For general enquiries about applications, contact our admissions team: <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a><br /> For questions about the research project, contact Dr Matthew Aldridge: <a href="mailto:m.aldridge@leeds.ac.uk">m.aldridge@leeds.ac.uk</a></p>